ISA launches its Action Plan
for Marine Scientific Research
in support of the UN Decade of Ocean Science
for Sustainable Development
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Marine Scientific Research
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ISA introduces its six strategic research priorities in support of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development
The objectives of the UN Decade of Ocean Science are at the core of ISA’s mandates, which are to promote and encourage the conduct of marine scientific research in the Area; coordinate and disseminate the research and analysis when available; and to facilitate participation of developing States in deep-sea exploration and research programmes. To formalize and organize its contribution to the Decade, members of ISA have unanimously endorsed in December 2020 the ISA Action Plan for Marine Scientific Research , which is structured around six strategic research priorities and contains a series of detailed outputs. Please watch our short animation or click on the button below to find out more!
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Eco Magazine OP-ED: We Must Advance Deep-Sea Science for the Benefit of Humankind, by H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge
In this opinion piece published in ECO Magazine, Secretary-General Lodge highlights the role of ISA in generating knowledge for the transformational action needed to achieve a healthy, safe, productive, and resilient ocean by 2030. In particular, the data collected through deep-sea marine scientific research and exploration will play a critical part in realizing the objectives of the UN Decade of Ocean Science, including advancing knowledge of marine biodiversity and ecological processes, and the impacts of climate change on deep-sea ecosystems.
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Promoting the sustainable development of Africa’s blue economy through the Africa’s Deep Seabed Resources project
The Africa’s Deep Seabed Resources (ADSR) project, which is being implemented by ISA in partnership with the African Union and NORAD, aims to foster the sustainable development of Africa’s deep seabed resources in support of Africa’s Blue Economy in line with “Agenda 2063: the Africa we want”. All activities are undertaken in close cooperation with States parties to UNCLOS and relevant international and regional organizations. The ADSR project is organizing a series of workshops across the continent to facilitate discussion between government representatives about the importance of sustainable development of activities on Africa’s continental shelf and in the Area. Through the implementation of the project, participating countries are provided with an opportunity to discuss what capacity building activities and strategies could be further developed at the national, regional and international levels. Under the project, ten national experts from African States with expertise in geology and ocean policy, including five women, have been selected for deployment within the ISA Secretariat, two of which were deployed in 2020.
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ISA and Indonesia wrap up a successful national capacity-building workshop
On 27 January (28 January in Indonesia), ISA and Indonesia concluded a 3-day virtual national capacity-building workshop aimed at providing more than 90 national experts - including government officials, policy-makers and researchers - with the necessary skills to enable Indonesia’s full participation in the work of ISA and in activities in the Area. “As Indonesia is progressing further with the development of its legislation for undertaking activities in the Area, ensuring that all national experts are fully equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge relating to the effective implementation of UNCLOS is essential," said Secretary-General Lodge. Damos Dumoli Agusman, Director-General of Legal Affairs and International Treaties, Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Indonesia recalled Indonesia’s active participation in ISA since it was established and commended ISA for its continuous support in providing capacity development programmes to member States and wishes to see more Indonesians benefit from it.
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Applications now open for two geological and environmental at-sea training opportunities with TOML
Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd (TOML), in accordance with its exploration contract for polymetallic nodules in the Area, is offering two geological / environmental at-sea on-board placements to candidates with a background and interest in geology, marine science, marine biology, and benthic ecology. Applications by qualified candidates should be received no later than 31 March 2021.
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Easily visualize the locations of the three main types of marine mineral deposits - polymetallic nodules (blue), cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts (yellow) and polymetallic sulphides (red) - and the areas under exploration by ISA contractors with this new animated map.
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New Permanent Representatives of the EU and Malta present credentials to ISA Secretary-General
The new Permanent Representative of the European Union to ISA, H.E. Ms. Marianne Van Steen, presented her credentials to ISA Secretary-General H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, in a ceremony that took place at the headquarters of ISA in Kingston, Jamaica on 21 January. The new Permanent Representative of Malta, H.E. Ms. Vanessa Frazier, presented her credentials during a virtual ceremony on 26 January,
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Norway, France and Mexico make donations in support of capacity development and integrated participation of developing States
Norway, France and Mexico have reaffirmed their commitment to support, through three separate grants, the implementation of capacity development programmes and activities targeted at developing States members of ISA and to improve their integrated participation in the work of the Organization. Norway’s contribution will support the execution of the “Abyssal Initiative for Blue Growth” project (#OceanAction16538), while France's contribution will be allocated to the voluntary trust funds for the members of the LTC and the FC and to capacity-building internships provided in cooperation with Ifremer. Mexico’s contribution will be allocated to the Endowment Fund for Marine Scientific Research.
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UN Lecture: “The Legal Regime for the Deep Seabed under Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” by H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge
The new 50-minute lecture available in the UN Audiovisual Library of International Law covers five areas of UNCLOS:
Part 1: History of Part XI and the 1994 agreement
Part 2: The legal status of the Area and its resources
Part 3: The International Seabed Authority and its organs
Part 4: Regulation of ‘activities in the Area’
Part 5: Dispute Settlement
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