January highlights

 Governance

The Permanent Representative of Germany presents credentials to ISA Secretary-General

Ambassador Jan Hendrik van Thiel presented his credentials to the Secretary-General of ISA, H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, as the Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany to ISA during a special ceremony held on 20 January 2023 in Kingston, Jamaica.

Secretary-General meets with Belgian ministers to discuss progress in the work of ISA and furthering of cooperation in the field of deep-sea research

On 26 January 2023, during an official visit to Belgium, the Secretary-General of ISA, H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, met with Belgium’s Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and the North Sea, H. E. Mr. Vincent Van Quickenborne, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Federal Cultural Institutions, H.E. Ms. Hadja Lahbib.

The Secretary-General and the Belgian high-level representatives discussed progress in the work of ISA, particularly efforts by ISA Member States towards protecting the marine environment and adopting the draft regulations for the exploitation of mineral resources in the Area. The contribution of Belgium to this process as a member of the Council and its support for ISA programmatic activities were also discussed. Finally, different avenues to strengthen bilateral and regional collaboration were identified, including ways to bridge potential knowledge gaps further.

The ISA Secretariat and the National Maritime Foundation of India sign a letter of cooperation in support of joint activities for the development of a sustainable blue economy

The Secretary-General of ISA, H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge and the Director General of the National Maritime Foundation of India (NMF), Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, signed a letter of cooperation during a ceremony held at the Office of the Indian Navy in New Delhi on 30 January 2023. The letter of cooperation formalizes a new strategic partnership aimed at promoting inclusive policy dialogue among stakeholders on deep-sea-related matters and contributing to expanding scientific knowledge of the world’s oceans towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and opportunities the blue economy offers, including the global transition to green energy.

 WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND LEADERSHIP

On 16 January 2023, ISA Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge renewed his commitment as an International Gender Champion.

ISA Conversations

ISA Conversations is ISA's new podcast series to celebrate the contributions of women to the progressive development of the law of the sea as reflected in UNCLOS and related instruments.

 Capacity development & training

ISA's Deep Dive platform is coming soon!

Watch out for ISA's new e-learning platform Deep Dive, which will be coming online very soon! Deep Dive is the first and only e-learning experience exclusively devised by an intergovernmental institution to address all elements of the legal regime set out in Part XI of UNCLOS, the 1994 Agreement, and the rules, regulations and procedures adopted by ISA, covering technical and scientific aspects. The facilitated e-learning allows maximum flexibility with individual learning activities that participants can complete at their own pace, regardless of location. The Deep Dive e-learning programme is indispensable for those with established careers or aspirations in the emerging field of deep-sea related research disciplines and those working in the context of the sustainable development of the ocean and its resources.

Apply for three training opportunities provided by Ifremer (PMS)

Applications are now open for three (3) internship opportunities for candidates from developing States, Members of ISA. The placements are provided by Ifremer (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea), in accordance with its exploration contract for polymetallic sulphides.

Apply for two training opportunities provided by Ifremer (PMN)

Applications are now open for two (2) internship opportunities for candidates from developing States, Members of ISA. The placements are provided by Ifremer (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea), in accordance with its exploration contract for polymetallic nodules.

Publications

Job opportunities

• Associate Marine Scientific Research
• Associate Legal Officer (Regulatory Affairs) 
• Associate Environmental Officer 
• Associate Contracts Officer 
• Associate Marine Technology Officer

• Call for proposal for a consultancy to report on the implementation of the Strategic Plan of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) 2019-2023 | 17 February 2023
• Call for proposals for a consultancy on the establishment of a “Seabed Sustainability Fund” | 24 February 2023