Successful applicants announced for the “One Thousand Reasons” campaign

In a major stride towards understanding the mysteries of our oceans, the International Seabed Authority (ISA), in collaboration with the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) and supported by the European Union, is excited to announce the successful applicants for the groundbreaking “One Thousand Reasons” campaign. The response was unprecedented, with 65 applications from 21 countries among all five regional groups of ISA Members and one country with observer status. This initiative signifies a monumental effort to describe at least one thousand new deep-sea species by 2030, enhancing our collective knowledge of life in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Visit by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa to ISA

Welcoming Dr. Pandor, Secretary-General Lodge noted that it was the first time that a minister from South Africa had visited the ISA headquarters. “Dr. Pandor’s visit represents a pivotal moment in our collaborative efforts to safeguard the ocean’s resources while ensuring their sustainable use. South Africa’s leadership and commitment to multilateralism in ocean governance play a critical role in our collective mission,” Secretary-General Lodge said.

A central topic of their discussions was South Africa’s leadership in strengthening multilateralism and its potential contributions to ISA’s efforts in science and technology transfer, particularly towards developing States and advancing women’s empowerment in ocean affairs.

“South Africa’s involvement is instrumental in advancing our initiatives for capacity-building and technological advancements. Their leadership can significantly impact our mission to enable all Member States to benefit from the ocean’s resources equitably and for transformative action in gender parity in all strategic sectors, including deep-sea research,” Secretary-General Lodge added.

Dr. Pandor expressed the support of South Africa for the work of ISA with an emphasis on the need to progress the development and adoption of the draft exploitation regulations in a reasonable time. “ISA is an important body that South Africa is proud to support, particularly as the exploitation regulations represent a key element in support of multilateralism to unlock opportunities of economic growth and development of developing States,” she said.

“Science, technology and innovation are fundamental to ensuring sound and sustainable management of ocean resources and achieving a synthesis between sustainable development and responsible exploitation of natural resources. In that regard, the many centres of excellence for scientific research that South Africa is hosting represent a great opportunity to advance the work of ISA. I look forward to strengthening our cooperation in that field, among many other initiatives,” she added.

ISA Secretary-General signs second extension agreement of JSC Yuzhmorgeologiya

On 19 March 2024, the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and the Managing Director of JSC Yuzhmorgeologiya signed the second five-year extension agreement of the contract granted by ISA to JSC Yuzhmorgeologiya for the exploration of polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone located in the Pacific Ocean on 29 March 2001.

ISA Council opens the first part of its 29th session

Kingston, Jamaica – The Council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) commenced the first part of its 29th session on Monday, 18 March 2024, setting the stage for two weeks of comprehensive discussions aimed at progressing the discussions on the draft exploitation regulations for mineral resources in the international seabed area (the Area), concluding on 29 March 2024.