On the International Day of Biological Diversity, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) celebrates the rich biodiversity of the ocean depths and highlights the crucial role of deep-sea research in operationalizing the unique mandate it has been assigned by the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea to act as steward of the Area and its resources for the benefit of all humanity.
ISA and IRIC sign a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of the first-ever African Academy for Deep-Sea Diplomacy in Cameroon
In a significant stride towards fostering international cooperation and expertise in international law of the sea with a specific emphasis on the legal regime of deep-sea activities in the international seabed area (the Area), the International Seabed Authority (ISA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the International Relations Institute of Cameroon (IRIC), establishing the first-ever African Academy for Deep-Sea Diplomacy (ADSEA). The signing ceremony took place on Friday, 17 May 2024, in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Selection of Candidates for the Government of the Republic of Korea 2024 Training Programme
On 13 May 2024, the Legal and Technical Commission of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) confirmed the selection of four candidates from developing countries to benefit from training opportunities offered by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea (MOF-ROK) in accordance with its obligations under the exploration contract for in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone signed with ISA in 2001.
The Secretariat of the International Seabed Authority and the Japanese Ocean Mining Industry Promotion Roundtable join hands to advance technology and innovation in deep-sea research
Today, the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, and the Chairman of the Ocean Mining Industry Promotion Roundtable, Mr. Nobuaki Aoyama, signed a letter of cooperation to foster the relationship between the two institutions on strategic areas of mutual interest.
Join the celebration of ISA’s 30th Anniversary and contribute to the stewardships of the Area and its resources for humankind
The International Seabed Authority Partnership Fund (ISAPF), a multi-donor trust fund, was created to mobilize transformative partnerships and financial support for the implementation of the global deep-sea research agenda adopted unanimously by all ISA members in 2020 in support of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (Action Plan for Marine Scientific Research in support of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development) and to contribute to dedicated capacity development programmes and activities aligned with the priority needs identified by developing States Members of ISA through the 2022 ISA Capacity Development Strategy.
Beijing Pioneer Hi-Tech Development Corporation Ltd. launches stakeholder consultation on environmental impact statement for polymetallic nodule mining component test
Beijing Pioneer Hi-Tech Development Corporation Ltd. (BPC), an exploration contractor sponsored by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, has informed the Secretariat of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) of the launch of a stakeholder consultation on the environmental impact statement (EIS) prepared for the testing of its polymetallic nodule mining component. BPC signed its 15-year exploration contract with ISA for the exploration of polymetallic nodules in the Western Pacific Ocean on 18 October 2019.
ISA launches two art competitions on the theme “Beneath the Surface: Unveiling Hidden Realms”
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is launching two art competitions to celebrate the deep sea and its mysteries.
China Minmetals Corporation launches stakeholder consultation on environmental impact statement for polymetallic nodule collector test
CMC plans to conduct a test of its nodule prototype collector vehicle to collect polymetallic nodules from a depth ranging from 5,000 to 5,500 metres between July and October 2025. This should allow CMC to validate the nodule collector’s efficiency, reliability and economic feasibility. Environmental monitoring to evaluate potential impact on deep-sea ecosystems will be conducted simultaneously. This prototype will operate in Block A-5 of the CMC’s contract area.
Call for applications to the Environmental Impact Assessment training course for exploration activities in the Area to be held at the ISA-Egypt Joint Training and Research Centre open until 31 May 2024
The Secretariat of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is inviting interested candidates to apply to the upcoming training course on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for exploration activities carried out in the Area, organized in partnership with the ISA-Egypt Joint Training and Research Centre established by the ISA Assembly in July 2023.
