Scientific insights have revealed the existence of undersea freshwater aquifers off the coasts of some African States and elsewhere, which present possibilities for exploitation. The question arises as to whether, or to what extent, the formal governance structures of the African Union ( AU ) and its relevant maritime strategic frameworks adequately provide for their regulatory oversight. The study highlights relevant provisions of the Constitutive Act of the African Union and its related protocols, as well as the 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy. While the AU could facilitate the development of pan-African governing arrangements, important legal issues remain outstanding in relation to the applicable judicial mechanism, operationalizing agreed courses of action, facilitating access to technology, implementing appropriate environmental safeguards and clarifying landlocked States’ rights. Suggestions are also made for further study. Addressing these issues could greatly facilitate efforts to design and optimise governing arrangements for the benefit of future generations.

中文翻译：

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非洲联盟在近海淡水含水层治理中的作用

科学见解揭示了一些非洲国家和其他地方沿海存在海底淡水含水层，这为开发提供了可能性。问题在于，非洲联盟（AU）的正式治理结构及其相关海事战略框架是否或在多大程度上为其监管提供了充分的监管。该研究强调了《非洲联盟组织法》及其相关议定书的相关规定，以及 2050 年非洲综合海事战略。虽然非盟可以促进泛非治理安排的发展，但与适用的司法机制、实施商定的行动方针、促进技术获取、实施适当的环境保障措施并澄清内陆国家的权利。也提出了进一步研究的建议。解决这些问题可以极大地促进为子孙后代的利益设计和优化治理安排的努力。