Glossary

Deutsch: Insel / Español: Isla / Português: Ilha / Français: Île / Italiano: Isola

Island in the maritime context refers to a piece of land that is completely surrounded by water and smaller than a continent, and is significant in various navigational, territorial, and ecological aspects of maritime studies.

Description

In maritime terms, islands are important for their strategic location, natural resources, and biodiversity. They can range in size from tiny atolls to large landmasses like Greenland, and they serve as critical waypoints, habitats, and sometimes sovereign territories in the oceans. Islands are also focal points in determining maritime boundaries, including territorial waters and exclusive economic zones (EEZs), which extend up to 200 nautical miles from an island’s coastline.

Islands play a key role in navigation as landmarks and waypoints, providing anchorages and shelter to ships. They often possess unique ecosystems and are sensitive to environmental changes, making their conservation a priority in maritime and environmental law.

Application Areas

Islands are central to several key areas within the maritime domain:

• Geopolitical: Many islands are subjects of territorial disputes due to their strategic and economic importance.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Islands often harbor unique flora and fauna, leading to significant ecological studies and conservation efforts.
• Tourism: Many islands are popular tourist destinations due to their natural beauty and seclusion.
• Marine Resource Management: Islands and their surrounding waters are vital for fisheries, mineral extraction, and other maritime resources.

Well-Known Examples

Notable islands that are significant in the maritime context include:

• The Galápagos Islands: Known for their unique ecosystems and significant contribution to evolutionary biology.
• The Maldives: A nation composed entirely of atolls and islands, facing significant challenges from rising sea levels.
• The Spratly Islands: A group of islands in the South China Sea at the heart of various territorial disputes due to their strategic location and resources.

Treatment and Risks

Islands face several environmental and geopolitical risks. Climate change, rising sea levels, and extreme weather pose significant threats to low-lying islands, potentially leading to displacement and loss of habitats. Geopolitically, islands can be flashpoints for conflicts over territorial claims and natural resources.

Similar Terms

In discussions about islands in the maritime context, related terms include:

• Archipelago: A group of islands close together, often geologically related.
• Atoll: A ring-shaped coral island surrounding a lagoon.
• Key: A low-lying island, especially in the coral cay.

Weblinks

• allerwelt-lexikon.de: 'Island' in the allerwelt-lexikon.de (German)
• allerwelt-lexikon.de: 'Insel' in the allerwelt-lexikon.de (German)
• travel-glossary.com: 'Island' in the travel-glossary.com

Summary

In the maritime context, an island is a landform surrounded by water that plays a crucial role in navigation, geopolitical strategies, biodiversity, and resource management. The strategic importance and unique ecosystems of islands make them key points of interest in both national and international maritime discussions.

--