The International Seabed Authority (ISA) today announced that all activities for the rest of 2020, under the Endowment Fund for Marine Scientific Research in the international seabed area (the Area) will be postponed, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, no new applications will be reviewed during 2020.
During this time, ISA will take the opportunity to review the functioning of the Endowment Fund for Marine Scientific Research in the Area, in line with the key findings of the review commissioned by the Secretariat on the capacity-building programmes and initiatives implemented by ISA, as well as the outcomes of the workshop on ‘Capacity development, resources and needs assessment that was held in Kingston in February 2020.’
“ISA is committed to improving the delivery and implementation of its capacity development programmes and initiatives to meet the needs and priorities of developing States, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Land-Locked Developed Countries (LLDCs),” said ISA Secretary-General Mr. Michael W. Lodge.
“In the last decade, over 308 trainees have benefited from ISA capacity-building programmes including the Endowment Fund, Contractor Training Programme and the ISA internship programme,” he added.
It is envisaged that some elements for immediate action regarding the Endowment Fund will be presented for consideration to the Assembly during part II of the 26th Session of ISA, now scheduled to be held in October 2020.
Further information on the Endowment Fund visit: https://www.isa.org.jm/training/endowment
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Katie Elles, Communications Specialist, International Seabed Authority M: +1 (876) 838 8323/ E: kelles@isa.org.jm
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For more information visit our website www.isa.org.jm or follow us on Twitter @ISBAHQ