On 12 May 2023, the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, met with H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.
Secretary-General Lodge and H.S.H. Prince Albert II discussed the current state of the draft regulations for the exploitation of mineral resources in the Area and the renewed support of Monaco to ISA’s work, particularly in relation to the promotion and encouragement of marine scientific research and the development and implementation of tailored capacity development opportunities to address the needs identified by developing States members of ISA. The commitment of Monaco to support ISA in its efforts to advance women’s empowerment and leadership in ocean affairs was also underscored.
Recalling the importance attached by Monaco to the effective implementation of UNCLOS, H.S.H. Prince Albert II restated the importance of the unique mandate of ISA established by UNCLOS as the custodian of the Area and its resources for the benefit of all humanity.
“Monaco is willing to support ISA in its functions and its vision of solidarity and equity for all, anchored in the precautionary approach, to govern the sustainable use of the Area and its resources,” H.S.H. Prince Albert II said. “We will continue to support progress in the development of scientific knowledge in parallel with the development of the exploitation regulations. We are confident that the engagement of all Members of ISA towards this collective objective will result in the adoption of a comprehensive and robust Mining Code placing the environment front and centre.”
“We stand ready to do our share by supporting the responsibility of ISA to protect and conserve marine biodiversity. We renew our commitment to support effectively the implementation of the Action Plan for Marine Scientific Research adopted by the ISA Assembly as a fundamental tool to drive global efforts towards deep-sea research and science,” he added. H.S.H. Prince Albert II also underscored the importance of “strengthening capacity development activities through fostered cooperation in delivering the mandate of ISA to expand opportunities for participation of developing States in activities in the Area.”
Welcoming this renewed support for the mandate of ISA, Secretary-General Lodge emphasized the important contribution of Monaco in developing the rule of law in ocean affairs and the sustainable management of the ocean and its resources.
“The importance the Principality has always given to the work of ISA, and marine scientific research in general, is a testament to the leadership role Monaco has always played in ocean affairs. It is with a sincere appreciation that we prepare for a new level of cooperation with Monaco to deliver against our mandate fully,” he said. “I also wish to commend Monaco for its longstanding support for the Award for Excellence in Deep-Sea Research, which will, this year again, celebrate the contribution of young researchers from developing States towards the implementation of Part XI of UNCLOS,” he added.
On 13 May 2023, Secretary-General Lodge was invited to make an intervention at the Symposium on “The obligation of States to protect and preserve the marine environment,” organized by Indemer, on the role of scientific expertise in the governance of the marine environment.
The Secretary-General presented how scientific expertise informs the work of ISA and remains at the core of the way in which the regime for deep-sea exploration and exploitation is implemented by States Parties. He also underlined that every part of the regulatory process is informed by science and scientific processes that are rigorous, transparent, open and inclusive.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Stefanie Neno, Communications Specialist, ISA, sneno@isa.org.jm