International Seabed Authority (ISA)
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | – Establishment: The International Seabed Authority (ISA) was established in 1994 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to organize and control activities in the seabed, ocean floor, and subsoil beyond national jurisdiction, known as “the Area.” – Purpose: To ensure the effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects that may arise from deep-sea mining activities and to promote the equitable sharing of financial and other economic benefits derived from activities in the Area. – Headquarters: Kingston, Jamaica. |
| Objectives | – Resource Management: Regulate exploration and exploitation of deep-sea minerals to ensure sustainable use of marine resources. – Environmental Protection: Implement measures to prevent, reduce, and control pollution and other hazards to the marine environment. – Benefit Sharing: Ensure that activities in the Area are carried out for the benefit of mankind as a whole, with particular consideration for developing countries. – Scientific Research: Promote and encourage marine scientific research in the Area. |
| Members as of December 2024 | – Total Membership: 168 members, comprising 167 States and the European Union. – Recent Developments: As of August 2024, 32 States have called for a preliminary halt to deep-sea mining, reflecting growing environmental concerns. |
| Reports/Indices | – Secretary-General Annual Report: Provides an overview of ISA’s activities, including the status of UNCLOS and related legal instruments, contributions to the budget, and the condition of the Area. – Deep Seabed Mining Fact Sheets: Offer insights into various aspects of deep-sea mining, including environmental impacts and technological developments. – Technical Studies Series: Presents in-depth analyses on specific topics related to seabed resources and environmental management. |
| Instruments | – United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): Establishes the legal framework for all activities in the oceans and seas. – 1994 Agreement Relating to the Implementation of Part XI of UNCLOS: Modifies and implements provisions related to deep-sea mining. – Mining Code: A comprehensive set of rules, regulations, and procedures issued by ISA to regulate prospecting, exploration, and exploitation of marine minerals in the Area. |
| Structure | – Assembly: The supreme organ composed of all ISA members, which sets general policies and approves the budget. – Council: An executive organ responsible for establishing specific policies in conformity with the Assembly’s directives. – Secretariat: Headed by the Secretary-General, it provides administrative support and carries out the Authority’s functions. |
| Subsidiary Organs | – Legal and Technical Commission (LTC): Provides recommendations on the adoption of rules, regulations, and procedures, and reviews applications for plans of work. – Finance Committee: Advises on financial matters, including the budget and financial regulations. |
| Committees | – Economic Planning Commission: Assesses economic aspects of seabed mining activities. – Environmental Protection Committee: Focuses on measures to safeguard the marine environment from potential impacts of seabed activities. |
| Initiatives | – Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative (SSKI): Launched in June 2022, SSKI aims to transform understanding of the deep sea by describing over 1,000 new species from areas under exploration for mineral resources, thereby strengthening the scientific foundation for effective protection and management of the deep seabed. – Area 2030: A collaborative effort with the International Hydrographic Organization to achieve high-resolution mapping of the international seabed area by 2030, facilitating better management and conservation of seabed resources. – Capacity Development, Training, and Technical Assistance: ISA implements programs to build capacities of individuals and institutions, particularly from developing states, enhancing their ability to participate effectively in activities related to the deep seabed. – Action Plan in Support of the UN Decade of Ocean Science: ISA contributes to global efforts in ocean science for sustainable development, aligning its activities with the objectives of the UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021–2030). |
