1st BCOLP Academy

Together for a Thriving Bay of Bengal


1. Enhance participants’ understanding of the Law of the Sea and UNCLOS provisions.
2. Promote sustainable marine resource management and conservation practices tailored to Bangladesh’s needs.
3. Strengthen the capacity to address maritime disputes and enforce laws related to Bangladesh’s maritime rights.
4. Foster local and regional collaboration on key maritime issues concerning Bangladesh.
5. Provide a platform for Bangladeshi nationals to contribute to the global knowledge base regarding the rights of developing
countries in ocean law.

BCOLP is a non-profit, non-partisan organization focused on education, research, and training in the field of ocean law and policy, specifically regarding Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal. Established in June 2022, BCOLP strives to stimulate discussions on Bangladesh’s position in global and regional ocean governance and aims to raise public awareness on topics such as maritime security, marine environmental protection, natural resource management, and the blue economy. Additionally, the center fosters original research on national, regional, and global issues related to ocean law and policy. BCOLP envisions a rule-based
international order where natural resources are managed sustainably and distributed equitably for the benefit of all nations,
particularly developing ones.

Background

The ocean plays a crucial role in sustaining life, providing food, energy, biodiversity, and serving as a vital medium for international trade. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) establishes the comprehensive legal framework for ocean governance, addressing marine resource management, navigation rights, and dispute resolution. However, there remains a significant gap in understanding these provisions among key stakeholders, hindering effective implementation and sustainable practices. This training workshop is designed to bridge this knowledge gap and promote informed decision-making in ocean governance.


As Bangladesh faces increasing vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters, the Bay of Bengal serves as a critical geopolitical gateway. It offers opportunities for economic growth, international trade, and diplomatic relations. Given the strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal, this workshop aims to equip Bangladeshi participants with the necessary understanding of multi-stakeholder risks, dispute settlement mechanisms, and resource preservation from a legal perspective. This workshop marks the first of its kind, with BCOLP paving the way for the development of local expertise in the Law of the Sea.