I. Introduction

1. This dispute is abotu the soverign right of a state to protect the natural environment within its borders. The Republic of Costa Rica has a responsibility to safeguard the environment and to balance public and private interests in pursuit of that goal. In this case, Costa Rica has undertaken not just a responsibility for itself, but a global responsibility for the protection of one of the world's most endangered species - the letherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).