Maritime governance is derived from an institutional framework whose realm consists of international, regional, national, and local level. Maritime policies and regulations are implemented in order to avoid interference of individual rights and freedoms. Over the years, maritime governance has been a subject of numerous flaws that has translated into adverse economic activities. Maritime policy making is aimed at improving the lives of individuals living alongside the sea. Maritime governance has been strengthened through the formation of various organizations that work in concert with governments of member state to ensure smooth operations. For instance, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) formed with the aim of maintaining security, and preserving the environment. The International Labor Organization (ILO) focuses on labor issues affecting maritime member states. The aforementioned organizations have played an imperative role in ensuring smooth running of activities on issues affecting maritime governance .
The European Union (EU) integrated maritime policy is aimed at integrating various sectors in order to develop member states in social, political, and economic aspects. The integration aims at achieving its objectives through change of decisions and policies that govern the countries to allow equal and fair representation of member countries. The aforementioned maritime policies are aimed at good international and regional practices that encourage trade activities between maritime regions. Adoption of various maritime policies by member states is always in line with matters related to sea and the entire framework. Strong maritime governance ensures that activities within the member states are effective and efficient in order to promote integration. Implementation of such integrated maritime policies helps to avoid duplication of powers among maritime nations. As a result, there is one approach strategy that is followed in the establishment of such regulations .
Maritime regions enjoy the services offered by sea through transportation of goods and services across the world. According to statistics, sea transportation covers approximately 90 percent of all trade and transport activities around the globe. Shipping is also considered to be the most effective in terms of costs, and efficient method with regards to transportation of commodities. Therefore, Easing transport helps in promoting commerce and increase prosperity among maritime regions. Shipping is considered to be necessary for economic growth and development. This is because shipping offers a secure transportation and delivery of goods covering wide and vast regions. Strong maritime governance and management will ensure advancement in shipping and sea transportation in order to create activities that lead to employment opportunities for individuals. Shipping will provide employment opportunity for people, especially in developing countries .
Maritime policies are implemented in line with possible risks and negative effects that are involved in shipping. For instance, policies under IMO conventions are aimed to control environmental pollution. As a result, emission of harmful substances in the sea has been declining following implementation of policies that limit and regulate sea pollution. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has embarked on strategic measures aimed to control the emission of greenhouse gases in maritime areas. Some of these measures to control pollution are in the form of trade activities. Regulation of environmental pollution by relevant governing bodies ensures that the responsible party pays some amount of money that is directly proportional to the amount of pollutants emitted. Governance of maritime regions is, therefore, directly related to the economic activities present in these regions. According to the IMO, maritime member states have adhered to the integrated maritime policy with the aim of establishing a common ground among all states .
As a result of improved technology, economies around the world have developed at a higher speed. At the same time, the use of ocean among various countries has intensified at a large scale. As a result, there has been the emergence of challenges as interests between various state conflicts. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) has intervened in order to come up with a possible solution concerning conflict of interests among nations. Some of these emerging issues include environmental, demand for protection of ocean space, and expansion of freight capacity. International Maritime Organization in collaboration with the respective Governments, and Non- Governmental organizations, United Nations System Organization have facilitated in conflict resolution. Therefore, maritime management and governance has, encouraged trade activities among maritime member states leading to economic development .
The presence of strong maritime governance translates into improved trade activities and economic growth within maritime regions. Implementation of various policies and regulation by governments in concert with relevant bodies plays an imperative role in ensuring improvement in commerce. In amid of the challenges experienced in maritime governance, commerce activities have thrived to a great extent. The International Maritime Organization has partnered with various organizations with the aim of promoting shipping and reducing environmental pollution. Maintenance of security has also been a key issue in maritime governance in order to ensure peaceful trade activities within the member state. Improved technology has significantly contributed to commerce through improved business strategies such as e-maritime solutions. Therefore, maritime management and governance has ensured the development of trade activities within maritime regions through the implementation of regulatory practices.
Works Cited
IMO. "A concept of a sustainable maritime transportation system ." Journal on World Maritime Day (2013): 1-30.
Kundis , Robin Craig. Comparative Ocean Governance: Place-based Protections in an Era of Climate Change. Massachusetts: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2012.
Roe, Michael . Maritime Governance and Policy-Making. London: Springer, 2013.
Rothwell, Donald R and David L VanderZwaag. Towards Principled Oceans Governance: Australian and Canadian Approaches and Challenges. New York: Routledge, 2013.
Struett, Michael J, Jon D Carlson and Mark T Nance. Maritime Piracy and the Construction of Global Governance. New York: Routledge, 2013.
