Kingston, Jamaica – 26 July 2024 — The Council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has concluded the second part of its twenty-ninth session, marking significant progress in the development of regulations for the exploitation of mineral resources in the Area.
Throughout the 10-day session, the Council, under the presidency of H.E. Amb. Olav Myklebust of Norway finalized the first reading of the consolidated text through Draft Regulation 107 on the exploitation of mineral resources in the Area. These discussions covered crucial aspects such as closure plans, environmental monitoring and inspection mechanisms. Thematic discussions addressed several critical issues, including equalization measures, underwater cultural heritage, environmental impact assessments and statements and environmental management and monitoring. Several delegations volunteered to facilitate intersessional work on certain items and will present joint proposals and progress reports during the next meeting of the Council.
The Council approved a plan of work for the exploration for polymetallic sulphides submitted by the Earth System Science Organization-Ministry of Earth Sciences (ESSO) of the Government of India. The Council further took note of the position of the Legal and Technical Commission on an application for the approval of a plan of work for exploration for cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts submitted by the same applicant.
After long discussions, the Council decided to submit the budget for the financial period 2025-2026 for the approval of the Assembly.
The Council considered the report of the Legal and Technical Commission, with participants emphasizing the need for increased transparency and accountability among contractors. Calls were made for the disclosure of contractors who failed to submit complete or adequate reports. The Council commended the significant progress made on threshold values and the development of a standardized approach for Regional Environmental Management Plans (REMPs).
With respect to the latter, the focus was given to advancing the work on the standardized procedure for the development, review and approval of REMPs. The Council adopted a decision on the proposed standardized procedures for REMPs, marking a crucial step towards more effective environmental management in regional areas.
The report from the Interim Director-General of the Enterprise, Mr. Eden Charles, was presented and reviewed by the Council, with strong support expressed for its activities and role in facilitating developing states’ participation in exploration activities. Participants emphasized the vital role of the Enterprise in ensuring equitable exploration and participation.
According to the Council decision ISBA/28/C/24, the Council was required to consider a new road map and a new road map for 2024-2025 was proposed by the President. The Council considered that the next meeting of the Council will be in March 2025, which will be the first part of the thirtieth session. It was decided that the President would issue a revised consolidated text. The deadline for written national proposals on the consolidated text was set to 23 September 2024. The deadline for joint written proposals was set to 1 November 2024. The President highlighted that he would invite the Bureau, facilitators and rapporteurs to a meeting in early November to take stock of the intersessional work conducted. Both the road map and the list of intersessional working groups will be annexed to the Statement of the President.
The Council forwarded a list of two candidates, Leticia Carvalho and Michael W. Lodge, to the Assembly for consideration in the election of the Secretary-General.
About ISA
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an autonomous intergovernmental organization mandated by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to manage the mineral resources of the seabed beyond national jurisdiction for the shared benefit of humankind. ISA is committed to the principle that all economic activities in the deep seabed, including deep-seabed mining, must be regulated and responsibly managed using the best available scientific evidence for the benefit of all nations of the world. ISA works to ensure that the voices of all States, including developing States and other stakeholders, are effectively heard in discussions around the sustainable development of the deep seabed.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Mr. Philip Janikowski, Communications Specialist, ISA, pjanikowski@isa.org.jm