The Legal and Technical Commission (LTC) of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) opened the meetings of the first part of its 27th session, taking place virtually between 14 and 18 March 2022.
Mr. Harald Brekke (Norway) was re-elected as Chair of the LTC for the 27th session, and Mr. Thembile Joyini (South Africa) was re-elected as Vice-Chair.
During the week, the members of the LTC will consider the application for the extension of an exploration contract submitted by the government of India. They will also begin consideration of an application for approval of a plan of work for exploration submitted by Circular Metals Tuvalu Ltd.
The LTC will also start to consider the development of a regional environmental management plan for the area of northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge and continue its consideration of the environmental impact statement submitted by Nauru Ocean Resources Inc.
In his opening remarks, ISA Secretary-General, Mr. Michael W. Lodge, commended the LTC members for their commitment and significant support in progressing work assigned by the Council, particularly the development of phase-one draft standards and guidelines, which will be considered by the ISA Council at its meetings between 21 March and 1 April 2022.
“This week provides an opportunity to progress on important issues ahead of the meeting of the Council, and we trust that the LTC will demonstrate its adaptability and resilience in addressing the tasks put forward to it once again,” he said.
The LTC is a body of experts nominated by ISA Member States and elected by the ISA Council to serve in their individual capacity. The current LTC consists of 30 members. Its next meetings are in July 2022 for the second part of the 27th session of ISA.