The first part of the 25th annual session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) will consist of a meeting of the ISA Council convening from 25 February-1 March 2019 and a meeting of the Legal and Technical Commission (LTC) from 4-15 March 2019, in Kingston, Jamaica. The meeting arrangement follows the revised schedule, decided at the 23rd session, which is expected to increase transparency and engender a mutually responsive dialogue between the LTC and the Council.
The main items to be discussed at the Council meeting are:
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the draft regulations on the exploitation of mineral resources in the deep seabed;
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the status of contracts for exploration and related matters, including consideration, with a view to approval, of applications for a plan of work for exploration, if any;
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the report on matters relating to the Enterprise; and
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cooperation with other relevant organizations.
As discussed in our analysis of the 24th session, the draft regulations on the exploitation of mineral resources in the deep seabed are under deliberation to find a balanced approach for the benefit of humankind and the protection of the marine environment, taking into account the role of the ISA, states, and contractors.
The second part of the 25th session will be held from 15-19 July 2019 for the Council, and from 22-26 July 2019 for the Assembly, in Kingston, Jamaica. The LTC will meet from 1-12 July 2019.
Please consult our ISA24 summary for additional information.
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IISD Reporting Services, through its Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) Meeting Coverage, will provide daily web coverage, daily reports, and a summary and analysis report from the 1st Part of the 25th Annual Session of the International Seabed Authority.