Tidying up the Moon Treaty Prior to Construction
- Paper number
IAC-10.E7.2.11
- Author
Prof. Edythe Weeks, Webster University Worldwide, United States
- Coauthor
Ms. Melissa K. Force, MK Force Consulting International, United States
- Year
2010
- Abstract
As nations and corporations actualize plans to travel to, establish operations and build bases on the Moon, the low level of international acceptance for the Moon Treaty is likely to become the subject of great debate. This paper will analyze and discuss key points likely to arise in foreseeable debates. Historical models demonstrate that competing desires for the precious natural resources and preferred strategic locations can be the source of intense international conflict. The paper will also critically analyze whether recent developments regarding space law have had any impact on clarifying key actors' positions regarding the Moon Treaty. International law regarding the Moon must be clarified before Moon activities begin to reduce conflict. This paper will collect, analyze, survey, retrieve and report on opinions and views held by various members of the IISL for answers to tough questions regarding the lack of agreement on various Moon Treaty provisions, such as the Common Heritage of Mankind principle. These combined insights will be organized and structured to serve as an aid to understanding key features necessary for the future design, adoption and implementation of an international regime, designed to allow the freedom of use, but which prevents appropriation. The institutional design must also ensure activities on the Moon benefit all humankind. The paper will also discuss key issues regarding sustainability and how to take early measures and to instill norms for the long term preservation and protections of the Moon environment and other parts of outer space.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-10.E7.2.11.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.