The Principality of Monaco announced today that it has pledged extraordinary support to the programmes and initiatives of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) that promote and encourage deep sea marine scientific research. More specifically, the € 20,000 grant announced by Monaco will be allocated to the Secretary-General’s Award for Excellence in Deep Sea Research and to the Endowment Fund for Marine Scientific Research.
Launched at the UN Ocean Conference in New York in June 2017, the Secretary-General’s Award for Excellence in Deep Sea Research (#OceanAction15796) aims at recognizing and encouraging the achievements of young researchers from developing countries who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge of the deep-sea environment, or to the development of environmentally sustainable regulatory frameworks.
The inaugural edition was held in July 2018. Dr. Diva Amon, Deep-Sea Biologist from Trinidad and Tobago, was cited for her extensive research and exploration experience at sea including ROV, AUV and submersibles cruises. The 2019 edition of the SG’s Award was launched in January 2019 and all applications should be received by 26 April 2019.
Established in 2006, the Endowment Fund for Marine Scientific Research has been designed to promote the conduct of marine scientific research in the international seabed area by supporting the participation of qualified scientist and technicians from developing countries. As of today, 126 scientists from developing countries have benefited from the Fund.
In his address to Member States and Observers at the 25th Session of the ISA Council in Kingston, Jamaica today, the Secretary-General of ISA, Mr. Michael W. Lodge commanded the decision of Monaco to contribute further to ocean science by supporting young generations of scientists from developing countries.
“We are deeply grateful and recognizant to Monaco for the support provided to these initiatives which significantly contribute to the fulfillment of ISA’s responsibility to promote and encourage the conduct of marine scientific research in the international seabed area, and especially to facilitate effective participation by developing States in deep sea exploration and research programmes,” said Mr. Lodge.
For more information on the Secretary-General’s Award visit: http://bit.ly/2iO7Yzr
Nominations should be sent via email to: sgaward@isa.org.jm
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Media enquiries:
Katie Elles, Communications Specialist, International Seabed Authority, M: +1 876 835 3801 / E: kelles@isa.org.jm