Expert scoping workshop on charting future horizons: harnessing advanced technologies for the protection and sustainable use of the international seabed area

3 Apr 2024 - 5 Apr 2024

ANOTATED AGENDA | INFORMATION NOTE

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is convening an expert scoping workshop on charting future horizons: harnessing advanced technologies for the protection and sustainable use of the international seabed area, from 3-5 April 2024 in Porto, Portugal, in collaboration with the Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC) of Portugal. The workshop will be held in a hybrid format (in-person and online).

Workshop objectives

The workshop aims to:

• Review existing technologies related to deep-sea observation, monitoring, exploration, and exploitation, including data management;
• Identify trends, as well as opportunities and challenges for advancing smart technological solutions, particularly for developing countries;
• Identify best practices and technological innovations to address knowledge and technological gaps and priorities for ensuring effective management of activities in the Area, including by promoting scientific advancement and robust monitoring and compliance mechanism;
• Identify concrete activities to facilitate technological innovations and capacity-building of ISA members, especially developing countries;
• Identify potential partners and stakeholders to be engaged in facilitating the advancement of technological solutions for the sustainable development of mineral resources in the Area and discuss possible modalities for collaboration; and
• Assess the technological readiness for effective and responsible recovery of seabed minerals and protection of the marine environment.

*Please refer to the Terms of Reference for additional information, including the expected outcomes/outputs and selection criteria for workshop participants.

Registration and selection

Members of ISA, as well as observers, contractors, international and regional organizations, projects/programs and initiatives, and academic/scientific institutions with an interest in contributing to the objectives of the workshop, are invited to register here as soon as possible, but no later than 20 March 2024.

Participants will be selected based on the criteria outlined in the workshop terms of reference. Selected participants will be notified by 22 March 2024.

For enquiries, please contact: Office of Environmental Management and Mineral Resources, International Seabed Authority (oemmr-secretariat@isa.org.jm)

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Background documents

• Action plan of the International Seabed Authority in support of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development [ISBA/26/A/17]