The International Seabed Authority (ISA) and the Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, with the support of the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), will organize the Global Workshop on the Participation of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in the Regime of the Area and the Benefit-Sharing Mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The workshop will be held from 13 to 15 October 2026 in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Plurinational State of Bolivia.

The workshop will provide a dedicated technical platform for government officials and experts from LLDCs to deepen their understanding of the rights and opportunities available under UNCLOS, including participation in activities in the Area, benefit-sharing mechanisms, developments relating to the ISA Mining Code, Article 82 of UNCLOS, and opportunities for capacity-building, technology transfer and international cooperation.

For questions concerning nominations, travel arrangements, logistics or administrative matters, delegations are invited to contact Ms. Rebecca Alcolea Krauss at rkrauss@isa.org.jm.

Supporting Materials:

Santa Cruz Roadmap 

Press Release: ISA and Bolivia to host global workshop on landlocked countries and their role in ocean governance

Press Release in Spanish: Bolivia acogerá un taller mundial sobre los países en desarrollo sin litoral y su papel en la gobernanza oceánica

Logistics Note for Participants

Live Annotated Agenda and Concept Note 

1. LLDCs and the Law of the Sea
2. ISA Technical Study No. 31: Equitable sharing of financial and other economic benefits from deep-seabed mining
3. ISA Technical Study No. 5: Non-Living Resources of the Continental Shelf Beyond 200 Nautical Miles: Speculations on the Implementation of Article 82 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
4. ISA Policy Brief 01/2023: How to apply for an exploration contract for mineral resources in the Area
5. ISA Policy Brief 05/2024 – Participation of Member States
6. Regulations on the Financial Terms of Contracts
7. A Framework for the Common Heritage Fund

Workshop Presentations 

Evolution of UNCLOS and Part XI – LLDCs Participation in the Negotiations

UNCLOS, Part XI and the Institutional Framework for LLDC Participation

Exploration in the Area: Regulation, Responsibilities and Oversight

The Role of the Sponsoring State in Activities in the Area: The Experience of the Russian Federation

The Current Status of Exploration and Exploitation of Deep-Sea Mineral Resources

The Role and Functions of the Enterprise and Opportunities Associated with Reserved Areas for LLDCs 

Common Heritage of Humankind and Benefit Sharing under UNCLOS

Benefit-Sharing Mechanism under Consideration by the Finance Committee of the ISA

Benefit-Sharing from Activities in the Area: Principles, Mechanisms and LLDC Interests

Legal Framework and Implementation Complexities

Article 82 of UNCLOS: Payments, Distribution and Implications for LLDCs

From Terrestrial Mining to Participation in the Area

ISA Marine Research Action Plan, Partnership and Opportunities

ISA Capacity Development Programmes and Initiatives 

The Global Agenda of LLDCs for the Implementation of Rights Under International Law

Workshop Photos:

Check the album on Flickr