The States Parties to this Convention,
Prompted by the desire to settle, in a spirit of mutual understanding and co-operation,
all issues relating to the law of the sea and aware of the historic significance of
this Convention as an important contribution to the maintenance of peace, justice
and progress for all peoples of the world,
Noting that developments since the United Nations Conferences on the Law of the Sea
held at Geneva in 1958 and 1960 have accentuated the need for a new and generally
acceptable Convention on the law of the sea,
Conscious that the problems of ocean space are closely interrelated and need to be
considered as a whole,
Recognizing the desirability of establishing through this Convention, with due regard
for the sovereignty of all States, a legal order for the seas and oceans which will
facilitate international communication, and will promote the peaceful uses of the
seas and oceans, the equitable and efficient utilization of their resources, the conservation
of their living resources, and the study, protection and preservation of the marine
environment,
Bearing in mind that the achievement of these goals will contribute to the realization
of a just and equitable international economic order which takes into account the
interests and needs of mankind as a whole and, in particular, the special interests
and needs of developing countries, whether coastal or land-locked,
Desiring by this Convention to develop the principles embodied in resolution 2749
(XXV) of 17 December 1970 in which the General Assembly of the United Nations solemnly
declared inter alia that the area of the sea-bed and ocean floor and the subsoil thereof, beyond the
limits of national jurisdiction, as well as its resources, are the common heritage
of mankind, the exploration and exploitation of which shall be carried out for the
benefit of mankind as a whole, irrespective of the geographical location of States,
Believing that the codification and progressive development of the law of the sea
achieved in this Convention will contribute to the strengthening of peace, security,
co-operation and friendly relations among all nations in conformity with the principles
of justice and equal rights and will promote the economic and social advancement of
all peoples of the world, in accordance with the Purposes and Principles of the United
Nations as set forth in the Charter,
Affirming that matters not regulated by this Convention continue to be governed by
the rules and principles of general international law,