Venezuela’s geographical position renders it with a considerable coastline on the Caribbean Sea, mounting up to stretching over 2,800 kilometers in length. To analyze whether Venezuela actually has a coastline, thereby giving it access to the Caribbean Sea and subsequently access to international waters, one must take into account the features of the shoreline that give it legal recognition. A coastline is a natural form of the sea, formed by land that lines the salubrious beaches. If a coastal strip is identified as ashore, it is then accepted as a part of the country’s legal border.
In the case of Venezuela, the coastline is bordered by Trinidad and Tobago to the north, and Guyana to the east. To the west, the Gulf of Venezuela and the country’s border with Colombia narrows the stretch of the coastline. The Venezuelan coast returns to its original length, marked by the River Orinoco’s entry into the Caribbean Sea in the State of Delta Amacuro, near the eastern border.
Approximately 80% of Venezuela’s coastline is considered coastal lowlands, plains, and wide swamp zones. The remaining parts of the coastline are occupied by mountainous areas, mostly in the northwest and west, including an elevated reef system between colon and margarita island. Over the last few decades, the Venezuelan coastline has gained popularity due to its diverse beaches and marine environments.
Most maritime experts agree that Venezuela’s Caribbean coastline is distinguished and distinguishable from other countries. The national Geography Institute of Venezuela conducted a study in 2017, which identified five different marine ecosystems with distinct biophysical characteristics and structure. Furthermore, they studied the national oceanography and recognized Venezuela’s continental geological composition, and determined that it has one of the longest foreshore and plant-life margins in the Caribbean.
In 2019, the Venezuelan government issued a coastal protection act. The objectives of the act, according to the government’s official record, were to maintain, support and conserve the Venezuelan coastal environment from any human-based risks and impacts. Additionally, the Venezuelan coastline is an exclusive economic zone, allowing shipping vessels to operate, transport goods and export resources from Venezuelan ports.
The Venezuelan coastline, supplemented with its rich history, beautiful beaches, and its strategic position in relation to the Caribbean Sea make it a desirable location for businesses, tourists, and recreation. For instance, the longest beach in Venezuela is a highly visited tourist-spot due to its warm waters, fine sands, and luxurious coral reefs. Other popular attractions of the Venezuelan coastline include coral fishing, wind-surfing, yachting, and snorkeling among others.
Legal Status Of Venezuela’s Coastline
Four different treaties ensure the legal status of the Venezuelan coastline. The Treaty of 1888, ratified in 1954, outlines the current territorial boundaries between Venezuela and Colombia in terms of maritime limits, as well as the integration of the territory of Barima as a part of the Venezuelan coast. Additionally, the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, the Convention Concerning the Regime of the High Seas of 1982, and the Convention on the Exploration and Use of Maritime Resources of 1988, concluded by Venezuela and other Latin American states, each determines the international legal status of the Venezuelan coastline.
Venezuela is also a signatory to many other relevant international treaties, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Additionally, the government of Venezuela has ensured its territorial claims on the maritime boundaries by frequent naval patrols.
Since the Venezuelan coastline is a part of the continental shelf, it is protected by the international law of the sea. The nation is not just sovereign on this part of its sea, but also has full control over its waters, seabed, and maritime industry. Moreover, Venezuela has unrestricted access to the Caribbean, which has enabled its involvement in numerous international projects and events.
Environmental Changes In The Venezuelan Coastline
Over the last few years, Venezuela has encountered numerous environmental issues near its coastline due to illegal and unregulated fishing, increasing tourism, and changing weather patterns. Studies conducted by the Venezuelan Geography Institute in 2020 revealed that there has been a significant change in the coastal ecosystem since the 1950s, and it is predicted to continue in the future.
The Venezuelan coastline is home to various species of dolphins, turtles, and other species including the Spanish hogfish. Increasing human activities have caused an alteration in their habitats, leading to a decrease in their populations. Moreover, coral bleaching, caused by rising temperatures and other environmental issues, has considerably reduced the number of coral reefs in Venezuelan waters.
The Venezuelan government has recognized the gravity of this situation, and it has implemented a number of initiatives, such as the Coastal Protection Act, to ensure the preservation and restoration of the Caribbean marine environment.
In addition to the legislative measures taken by the Venezuelan government, many non-governmental organizations are also working towards the conservation of Venezuelan coastal waters and their biodiversity. These organizations promote public awareness, support scientific studies, as well as engage in continuous conservation and restoration efforts.
Efforts To Safeguard Venezuela’s Coastline
The Venezuelan government has implemented a range of initiatives to protect its coastline, such as the Coastal Protection Act, which outlines strategies for the prevention and control of natural disasters. Additionally, the government has implemented the Coastal Development Program, which seeks to integrate the coastal zone in the economic system, promote research on marine resources, and develop sustainable coastal projects.
Venezuela has also conducts numerous campaigns to eliminate pollution, and to raise awareness among the public about the importance of preserving its coastline. Moreover, fishing regulations have been implemented in the Venezuelan waters to ensure the sustainable management of marine resources. Additionally, the government has implemented proper waste management systems to reduce the levels of pollution.
Furthermore, the government has invested in infrastructure projects to reduce the impact of land-based activities such as urbanization and construction, which can cause severe damages to coastal areas. Additionally, Venezuela has put in place a number of rules, such as restrictions on fishing, to ensure that the oceanic life is not adversely affected.
Economic Benefits Of Venezuela’s Coastline
According to recent statistics, the Venezuelan coastline has immense economic potential for the development of the nation. Venezuela has one of the largest fishing fleets in the world and seafood is one of the main sources of export income. Moreover, the numerous tourist attractions in the Venezuelan coastline have enabled the nation to benefit substantially from the tourism industry.
In addition to tourism and fishing, Venezuela has several oil and gas platforms off its coast, and this sector of the economy is rapidly growing. Most recently, the state-owned oil-giant PDVSA has made substantial investments in the region to explore new petroleum and gas reserves. Additionally, technological innovations are being implemented in the Venezuelan maritime sector, introducing the so-called ‘smart ships’, which improve the efficiency of the maritime trade.
The coastline has also enabled the development of several specialized ports and infrastructure projects, such as the Port of Puerto Cabello and the Venezuela’s First International Airport. These projects have contributed significantly to the development of the nation’s economy.
Conflict Regarding Venezuela’s Coastline
The Venezuelan coastline has been a source of dispute between the nation and other countries, such as Colombia and Guyana. Although the maritime borders established by the 1888 Treaty are clearly demarcated, these boundaries are subject to misinterpretation due to different interpretations of the treaty. Moreover, several oil and gas drilling projects are being conducted in waters that are claimed by Venezuela and other countries, further raising conflicts in the region.
Additionally, in 2020, the International Court of Justice made a ruling that favored Guyana’s maritime borders over Venezuela’s. This ruling was reportedly opposed by the Venezuelan government and is under appeal, however, it still casts a shadow over the territorial claims of the Venezuelan coastline.
In response to these conflicts, the Venezuelan government has shown strict compliance with international law and exercised restraint. The government has also taken a number of measures to protect its maritime boundaries, such as conducting frequent naval patrols near the Venezuelan coastline.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is evident that Venezuela has a long coastline on the Caribbean Sea with a wide variety of different ecosystems, legal status, and laws. The nation has also implemented a number of initiatives to protect its coastline, and this has enabled it to benefit substantially from the numerous resources present in its coastal waters. Despite the numerous challenges, it is clear that the potential rewards far outweigh the risks.
