Abstract
The Strait of Gibraltar is a unique geographical zone. Communication route between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, it is the meeting place of two continents. Its special characteristics determine the existence of an extraordinarily valuable marine area with a rich diversity, in addition to being a privileged route of migration of birds and marine species. Over this territory, of paramount geostrategic importance, an array of political and legal controversies of the three States present in the area, Spain, Morocco and the United Kingdom (Gibraltar) is projected. Consequently, there are no maritime delimitation agreements or cross-border cooperation schemes. Environmental protection depends fundamentally on the internal regulations of the States. There are not any MPAs in the zone in accordance with any of the possibilities existing in international environmental regulations. However, there are several areas included in the European Natura 2000 network under Spanish and British responsibility presenting certain discontinuities and a striking overlap. If the United Kingdom decides to leave the European Union, the exit would have direct consequences on the environmental protection and the scheme of protected areas generating a scenario of uncertainty.
© Authors 2019.
Référence: Baeza, J.V. “MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN THE STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR ZONE: THE INCIDENCE OF BREXIT.” Revista Catalana de Dret Ambiental 10, no. 2 (2019). https://doi.org/10.17345/rcda2722.