The International Seabed Authority (ISA) welcomes the conclusion of a new international legally binding instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), 40 years after the entry into force of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Category: Press Release
Chinese delegation headed by the Vice Minister of Natural Resources concludes visit to ISA Secretariat
On 27 February 2023, a Chinese delegation headed by the Vice-Minister of Natural Resources (Administrator of Oceanic Administration) of China, Mr. Hong Wang, visited the headquarters of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica, where they met with the Secretary-General H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, and senior members of the staff of the Secretariat to discuss the work of ISA and future areas of cooperation.
The Permanent Representative of Japan presents credentials to ISA Secretary-General
Ambassador Yasuhiro Atsumi presented his credentials to the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, as the Permanent Representative of Japan to ISA, during a ceremony held on 27 February in Kingston, Jamaica.
COMRA signs a second contract extension for exploration for polymetallic nodules
On 27 February 2023, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and the China Ocean Mineral Resources Research and Development Association (COMRA) signed a five-year contract extension for the exploration for polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean. This contract extension was signed during a ceremony held in Kingston, Jamaica, in the presence of the Vice-Minister of Natural Resources (Administrator of Oceanic Administration) of China, Mr. Hong Wang and the Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China to ISA, H.E. Mr. Daojiang Chen.
Ifremer signs a second contract extension for the exploration for polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone
On 27 February 2023, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and the Institut français de recherche pour l’exploitation de la mer (Ifremer) signed a five-year contract extension for exploration for polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean. This is a second five-year extension of the exploration contract initially granted and signed by ISA and Ifremer on 20 June 2001.
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Zimbabwe presents credentials to ISA Secretary-General
Ambassador Albert Ranganai Chimbindi presented his credentials to the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, as the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Zimbabwe to ISA during a ceremony held today in Kingston, Jamaica.
ISA delegation concludes visit to India with strengthened collaboration in support of the sustainable development of the blue economy in India and in the Indian Ocean region
A delegation of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) headed by the Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, concluded a 17-day state visit to India Friday, 17 February. Reflecting on the successful outcomes of his visit, the ISA Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, expressed his admiration at the rapid pace of development of science and technology in India and the commitment shown towards the mandate and the work of ISA.
Greece contributes EUR50,000 to ISA’s new Partnership Fund in support of marine scientific research and capacity development of developing States
On 10 February 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, H.E. Mr. Nikos Dendias, visited the Secretariat of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and presented a donation of EUR50,000 in support of the programmatic activities implemented in the field of marine scientific research and capacity development.
New strategic partnership between the ISA Secretariat and the Gujarat National Law University of India established
Ahmedabad, 14 February 2023 – The Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, and the Director of the Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Prof (Dr.) Sanjeevi Shanthakumar, signed a letter of cooperation in Ahmedabad, India. The signing ceremony took place today during an international conference convened by GNLU to discuss multidimensional approaches and challenges of seabed mining.
