FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Iceland has hailed a landmark decision by the United Nations Continental Shelf Commission to formally recognize its sovereign rights over the continental shelf extending along the Reykjanes Ridge.
The UN commission’s conclusions, received last Friday, affirm Iceland’s control over an area stretching more than 570 nautical miles (1,055 kilometers) from the country’s baselines. The announcement marks a major milestone for Iceland, which views the decision as a long-term strategic and economic victory.
“This decision secures Iceland’s sovereign rights for the future. We now have authority over an incredibly large continental shelf area that could contain vast natural resources,” Icelandic Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir said during an interview with RUV, Iceland’s national broadcaster, on Tuesday.
Gunnarsdottir underscored the magnitude of the development, emphasizing its potential to safeguard Iceland’s interests for decades to come.
The Reykjanes Ridge, a geological formation stretching southwest from Iceland into the Atlantic Ocean, is believed to be rich in valuable resources. Potential deposits include oil, natural gas, and metals, alongside other seabed minerals and sedimentary materials such as geothermal energy. The region may also contain biological resources, including benthic organisms and their genetic material, offering diverse opportunities for sustainable exploitation.
The foreign minister highlighted the long-term significance of the UN decision, noting that the newly recognized rights provide Iceland with full autonomy in determining how the area will be managed. “Decisions about whether to exploit or protect the region’s resources will now be in the hands of Iceland and no one else,” Gunnarsdottir stated.
The recognition comes after an intensive 25-year effort, with Iceland submitting extensive geological and legal evidence to substantiate its claim to the extended continental shelf. The conclusion represents a significant achievement for the nation’s diplomacy and resource management strategy. Gunnarsdottir praised the collaborative work involved in securing the favorable ruling, describing it as a testament to Iceland’s commitment to preserving its national interests.
Moving forward, the Icelandic government is set to begin negotiating the delimitation of the newly recognized continental shelf boundaries with neighboring countries in accordance with the UN commission’s recommendations. These negotiations will establish the precise limits of Iceland’s control and ensure international recognition of its rights.
The announcement reflects Iceland’s focus on securing its environmental, economic, and geopolitical interests. The ability to manage such a vast and resource-rich territory is expected to bolster the nation’s position on the global stage while offering opportunities for both development and conservation.