sisejõed

Sisejõed, often translated as "inland waters" or "internal waters," is a legal term referring to the bodies of water within a state's land territory. This category encompasses rivers, lakes, canals, and other watercourses that are not part of the territorial sea or internal waters of another state. The sovereignty of a state over its sisejõed is generally absolute, meaning the state has full jurisdiction and control over these waters, their beds, and their underlying subsoil. This includes the right to regulate navigation, fishing, resource extraction, and environmental protection.

The precise definition and extent of sisejõed can be complex, especially for international rivers or lakes that form borders between states. In such cases, international law and bilateral agreements often dictate the division of jurisdiction and usage rights. For landlocked states, sisejõed are particularly vital, providing access to water resources and serving as important routes for internal transportation and trade. The management and conservation of these inland waters are crucial for ecological balance and sustainable development within a nation's borders.