The 26th Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Legal and Technical Commission (LTC), closed today, after 4-weeks of online meetings held remotely for the first time from 6 to 31 July 2020.
During the session, the LTC evaluated the work undertaken by exploration contractors in 2019 through a review of their annual reports and considered an application from Blue Minerals Jamaica Ltd. for approval of a plan of work for consideration by the ISA Council at its next meetings in October 2020. The LTC also made progress on the draft Standards and Guidelines for activities in the Area to be released for stakeholder consultation.
Other key outcomes include a set of recommendations to the ISA Council based on the findings of a report on the potential impact of polymetallic nodules production on the economies of developing land-based producer States. The LTC also reviewed an environmental impact statement submitted by the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India.
“Despite the challenges associated with convening international meetings remotely, I am pleased to say the LTC has been able to significantly progress its workflow of the 26th Session,” said ISA Secretary-General Mr. Michael W. Lodge.
“I wish to thank the LTC members for their dedication and professionalism,” said Mr. Lodge. “I also wish to express my deep appreciation to the Chair of the LTC, Ms. Michele Walker of Jamaica, and Vice-chair Harald Brekke of Norway, for successfully steering the work through these trying times.”
The LTC meetings were held ahead of the 26th Session of the Assembly and Part II of the Council meetings, which have been postponed due to COVID-19, and are re-scheduled to take place in a reduced format in Kingston, Jamaica in October 2020.
More details on the October session will be announced in due course.
For more information visit the 26th Session Portal: http://bit.ly/ISBAHQ_26
Media enquiries:
Katie Elles, Communications Specialist, International Seabed Authority, M: +1 876 838 8323 / E: kelles@isa.org.jm