Headline:
Policy Brief Recommends Greater Transparency on Deep Seabed Mining
The deep sea is the largest and least understood ecosystem on Earth. The exploitation of deep-sea mineral resources has long been the subject of debate. Recent developments suggest that the various technical, scientific, political, and economic challenges that have prevented their exploitation might soon be overcome. But the potential impact and consequences of deep seabed mining are still unclear.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA), which is responsible for managing the seabed and deep-sea mineral resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction, is currently developing a legal framework for deep seabed mining. In doing so, the ISA needs to balance commercial interests with its obligation to protect and preserve the marine environment. Because these areas beyond national jurisdiction are a “Common Heritage of Mankind” under international law, the ISA is also required to create a framework to ensure that any benefits derived from the exploitation of resources are shared by all. The authors of the new IASS Policy Brief “Towards Transparent Governance of Deep Seabed Mining” argue that the International Seabed Authority must adopt a more transparent approach to its work in order to fulfil this obligation.
The Policy Brief recommends that the ISA make most of the information and data held by the organisation publicly accessible, in particular any environmental data. The authors also call on the ISA to make a greater effort to consult with the public and non-state organisations. In order to ensure that the ISA’s efforts to protect the marine environment contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations, the Policy Brief recommends that the ISA convene an advisory body to provide support in environmental matters.
The public has a right to access information held by the International Seabed Authority, emphasises Sabine Christiansen, who leads the research project on deep seabed mining at the IASS: “As the ‘owners’ of these resources, we should be informed as to how and when they are exploited. Access to information is crucial to ensuring public participation, facilitating transparent decision-making, and enabling the public to form an opinion on the potential economic benefits and long-term harms to the marine environment.”
The IASS Policy Brief will be presented at the Annual Session of the International Seabed Authority in Jamaica on 16 July at a workshop titled “Enhancing Stakeholder Participation and Transparency in the ISA Process”. The IASS is a co-organiser of this event.
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