Geopolitical and environmental study of artificial islands in the Persian Gulf (from the perspective of international law)

Abstract

According to the Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982, constructing artificial island is permitted and countries can construct artificial islands in their own territory. Constructing artificial islands in the Persian Gulf area makes the countries in the region, especially Iran, to pursue the issue with more sensitivity. According to data dissemination principle of International Environmental Law, the countries that construct artificial islands should notify other states regarding construction and properties of their own artificial islands. Today, artificial island construction is being increased and this has caused many environmental crises including increase of water darkness and pollution and transport of coastal sediments. In this study, the destructive results of constructing artificial islands in the Persian Gulf environment, the effect of development of new land space from geopolitical view, and also constructing artificial islands from the viewpoint of International Law of the seas are being reviewed. Moreover, according to the fact that the notion of governance in modern International Law have been modified regarding the use of environment and sustainable development, the states will have limited right to construct artificial islands.