On 24 October 2022, the Legal and Technical Commission of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) confirmed the selection of three (3) candidates for undergraduate scholarship opportunities provided by Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. (NORI), accordance with its obligations under its exploration contract for polymetallic nodules with ISA.
The selected candidates are:
- Ms. Sheila Veikune from Tonga
- Ms. Blessing U. Onoja from Nigeria
- Ms. Biteiti K. Kimaere from Kiribati
The undergraduate degree programmes will be offered through the University of the Southern Pacific (USP), Laucala campus in Fiji. The scholarships will allow selected candidates to pursue studies in the following fields: marine science, biology, environmental science, earth sciences, geosciences, geology, or engineering. Preference has been provided to those with an interest in polymetallic nodules and ocean sustainability.
Semester 1 is set to commence in February 2023 and the trainees are expected to complete the undergraduate programme within the standard time frame of the degree of study (this can be 3 or 4 years depending on the programme).
***
All contractors with ISA have a legal obligation to provide and fund practical training opportunities for personnel from developing States and those of ISA, including the participation of such personnel in all activities in the Area which are covered by the contract.
The legal basis for the requirement stems from the provisions of UNCLOS and the 1994 Agreement and is set out in the standard terms of exploration contracts signed with ISA.
Please visit this page to know more about the Contractor Training Programme.
For additional information, please contact:
Ms. Annekah Mason, Training Coordinator, ISA, training@isa.org.jm