JAMAICA, Kingston (27 June 2018) – – The International Seabed Authority and the University of Szczecin are co-hosting a 3-day workshop on the Development of a Framework for Regional Environmental Management Plans (REMPs) for Polymetallic Sulphide Deposits in Mid-Ocean Ridges in Szczecin, Poland from 27-29 June 2018.
The workshop follows discussions during the first part of the Authority’s 24th Session meetings in March 2018 where the Council of the Authority took note of the preliminary strategy for the development of REMPs for key provinces where exploration activities under contracts were being carried out.
The main objective of the workshop is to provide the relevant organs of the Authority, as well as Contractors and their sponsoring States, a proactive area-based management tool to support informed decision-making that balances resource development with conservation for REMPs for polymetallic sulphides in Mid-Ocean Ridges.
Workshop participants will also have the opportunity to review the status of existing data and scientific initiatives and make recommendations for a process for the development of such plans under the auspices of the Authority.
The outcomes of the workshop will enable the Secretariat to propose a roadmap of the next steps in developing REMPs for polymetallic massive sulphides in deep-sea areas to the organs of the Authority.
All information, documentation and presentations will be made available on the workshop page.
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ISBA/PR/2018/024