KAJIAN YURIDIS TERHADAP KERUSAKAN LINGKUNGAN LAUT AKIBAT EKSPLORASI DAN EKSPLOITASI SEA BED AREA DITINJAU DARI UNCLOS 1982

Marine environmental damage arising from exploration and exploitation activities in the sea bed area is examined based on the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982). Activities related to the exploration and exploitation of natural resources on the seabed, both living and non-living resources, have the potential to cause negative impacts on marine ecosystems, such as pollution, habitat destruction, and disruption of environmental balance. In the context of international law of the sea, UNCLOS 1982 regulates the rights and obligations of states, including the obligation to protect and preserve the marine environment as stipulated in Part XII of the Convention. The formulation of the problems in this research includes, first, the legal regulation concerning exploration and exploitation activities in the Sea Bed Area according to UNCLOS 1982, and second, the international legal responsibility of parties responsible for marine environmental damage resulting from exploration and exploitation activities in the Sea Bed Area. This research employs a normative legal research method using statutory and conceptual approaches. The legal materials used consist of primary legal materials in the form of provisions contained in UNCLOS 1982, as well as secondary legal materials in the form of literature, scientific journals, and other supporting documents. The results of the study indicate that UNCLOS 1982 has provided a comprehensive legal framework regarding the obligations of states to prevent, reduce, and control marine pollution resulting from exploration and exploitation activities. In addition, the regime of The Area, which is managed by the International Seabed Authority, emphasizes the principle that seabed resources constitute the common heritage of mankind. Therefore, strengthening international monitoring mechanisms and increasing state commitment in implementing marine environmental protection principles are necessary to minimize environmental damage resulting from activities in the sea bed area.