Today, the Legal and Technical Commission of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has resumed its meetings under the 26th session.
Mr Harald Brekke from Norway was elected as Chair of the LTC.
Members of the LTC will meet remotely between 22 March and 1 July 2021.
Amongst the issues to be discussed by the LTC are the progress made in the development of standards and guidelines as complement of the draft regulations for minerals exploitation in the international deep seabed area (the Area); the review of annual reports of contractors; the consideration of applications for extension of exploration contracts in accordance with UNCLOS, the 1994 Agreement and the relevant decisions of the Council. The LTC will also review the implementation of the environmental management plans for the Clarion-Clipperton Zone and the progress undertaken in the development of other plans in the Area, including the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the Northwest Pacific.
In his opening remarks, ISA Secretary-General Mr. Michael W. Lodge stated: “I am encouraged by the great level of participation in this virtual session and happy to see all of you are well and enthusiastic to support the work of ISA. The LTC has a critical role to play in the work of ISA and I am inspired by your dedication to getting the work done even in these adverse circumstances.”
The LTC is a body of 30 experts nominated by member States and elected by the ISA Council to serve in their individual capacity.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Stefanie Neno, Communications Specialist, ISA, sneno@isa.org.jm
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