Latest news with #UNConventionontheLawoftheSea
Scoop
a day ago
- Science
- Scoop
Deep Dive Into The International Seabed Authority: Why It Matters Now
22 July 2025 At a time when the international community seeks to regulate the rich tapestry of the planet's ocean floors while countries and corporations speed towards deep-sea mining opportunities, here's what you need to know about ISA and why it matters now: What does it do? ISA manages the mineral resources of the seabed beyond national jurisdiction, which covers 54 per cent of the world's oceans, for 'the shared benefit of all humankind'. Created by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1994, ISA is aims to ensure that all economic activities in the deep seabed, including mining, are regulated and responsibly managed. Mandated to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects that may arise from deep-seabed-related activities, its work also contributes to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Why it matters now? As the world's only international body that focuses on the deep-sea area beyond national borders, ISA aims to address pressing concerns, from plastic waste littering oceans to the race to secure rare earth minerals to quench the world's insatiable thirst for lithium batteries and a range of tech items. What kind of rare earth minerals are on the ocean floor? Cobalt, copper, gold, lanthanum, neodymium, nickel, silver, yttrium and zinc to name a few. Right now, countries can pursue deep-sea mining within their own territorial waters or 'exclusive economic zones'. But, under international law, the deep seabed belongs to no single country or corporation, ISA Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho wrote in a recent op-ed. 'It is our common heritage,' she said. What's the draft mining code? Right now, nations are looking for ever more sources of rare earth minerals to meet demand for renewable energy technologies and such items as mobile phones and computers. The deep-sea contains a plethora of supplies. That's where the draft mining code comes in. During its 30th session, ISA members are working on a draft code that would protect the marine environment and build a foundation for ensuring that any activities in the deep-sea area are conducted responsibly and in line with environmental sustainability principles as well as benefitting all of humanity. Tackling the 'missing plastics paradox' Plastic pollution is another part of the problem. To address this and other pressing issues, ISA members adopted a global research agenda in July 2020, serving as an action plan for marine scientific research with six strategic priorities that include advancing knowledge of deep-sea ecosystems, promoting data sharing and providing insights into the scientific landscape of plastics in the deep-sea. This latter growing global challenge has potential consequences for the sustainable use of oceans. In 2019, the plastics industry produced over 450 million tonnes of plastic, a figure expected to rise in the coming decades and is likely to increase pressure on marine environments and species. Yet, a portion of plastics entering the oceans remains unaccounted for, a phenomenon known as the 'missing plastics paradox'. Some researchers suggest that the deep sea may act as a sink for plastic debris, where their prolonged persistence could pose risks to these environments. The world's new deep-sea biobank ISA has also just begun filling its new biobank, launched in June on the margins of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France. The Deep-Sea Biobank Initiative (DBI) aims to enhance access to deep-sea biological samples and genetic data collected from the international seabed area. Designed to promote deep-sea research and inclusive scientific collaboration, particularly for developing States, the initiative will establish a global repository of biological samples and develop standard operating procedures to enhance data quality, sharing and use by stakeholders. 'The DBI is ISA's response to a growing need to advance research, share data, build capacity and facilitate access to deep-sea knowledge, particularly for developing States,' said the authority's chief Carvalho. 'We aim to create standardised and equitable pathways for scientific collaboration, empowering countries and institutions to explore, understand and protect the ocean's most remote ecosystems.' 'DeepData' diving The wealth of data and information ISA has collected has been critical to shaping environmental management plans. Every data byte collected through deep-sea exploration adds critical new information about life in the ocean and assists with decision making. In launching the DeepData database in 2019, ISA made publicly available for the first time the biggest and most complete global repository of environmental data and information on the deep-sea area. Exactly how much data has been collected? As of May 2023, DeepData contained over 10 terabytes, roughly equivalent to 6.9 million Instagram uploads. Widely used around the world, it had about 2.4 million hits from visitors in 2022 alone and more than 160 citations in scientific publications. Learn more about ISA here.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan signs UNCLOS agreement on marine biodiversity in New York
Pakistan signed a pact with United Nations on Monday agreeing to conserve marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, the Foreign Office said. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar signed an Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) at the UN Headquarters in New York on Monday. 'The signing of the BBNJ Agreement reflects on Pakistan's continued commitment to multilateral cooperation and to the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction,' read foreign ministry's post on X (formerly Twitter). Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, today signed the Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).… — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 22, 2025 Earlier in the day, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres praised Pakistan's initiatives and leadership at the UN Security Council during a meeting with Dar. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to multilateralism and to the central role of the United Nations in tackling global challenges. He assured the UN secretary-general of Islamabad's continued focus on enhancing the UN's capacity in conflict resolution, promoting sustainable development, and defending fundamental human rights worldwide. Guterres praised Pakistan's 'strong role' and 'principled positions' at the Security Council and welcomed its leadership during high-level engagements. Dar highlighted Pakistan's consistent dedication to the principles of the UN Charter, especially the need to advance peace through dialogue and diplomacy. He cited Pakistan's recent initiatives, including a high-level debate on multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes, and the convening of a session on UN-OIC cooperation. Both events were held under Pakistan's presidency of the Council for July 2025. 🔊PR NO.2️⃣1️⃣3️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ Meeting of the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister @MIshaqDar50 with the UN Secretary General @antonioguterres. 🔗⬇️ — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 21, 2025 During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister raised several issues of national and regional concern. These included the ongoing dispute over Jammu and Kashmir, India's alleged violations of the Indus Waters Treaty, and instances of terrorism within Pakistan allegedly sponsored from abroad. He reiterated Pakistan's position that the Jammu and Kashmir issue must be resolved in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He welcomed the secretary-general's recent efforts to de-escalate tensions between Pakistan and India. The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed Pakistan's firm support for a sovereign Palestinian state, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and complete opposition to Israel's annexation plans in the West Bank. The two sides discussed the forthcoming High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and Implementation of the Two-State Solution, to be held in New York next week. Both agreed that the conference must lead to meaningful outcomes. Dar further praised the Secretary-General's UN80 initiative, marking the UN's upcoming 80th anniversary, and said it provided a critical opportunity to reinforce the three foundational pillars of the UN: international peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. He also briefed Guterres on Pakistan's steps to promote regional connectivity and spur economic growth through international partnerships.
Sky News AU
2 days ago
- Business
- Sky News AU
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says managing China-US relationships like ‘walking a tightrope'
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has described managing diplomacy with China and the US as a 'tightrope' amid growing scrutiny of the Albanese government's international strategy. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has acknowledged the difficulty of managing diplomatic relationships with China and the US, describing it as like 'walking a tightrope'. China has increased its global diplomatic reach in recent months as President Donald Trump's administration pares back America's international presence. Amid this balancing act, the Albanese government has been accused both of letting ties with the US weaken and of leaning too heavily into its relationship with China. 'I think diplomacy is often a tightrope,' Ms Wong told Sky News on Tuesday. 'In terms of the United States, they are our ally. They're our principal strategic partner. They are also our largest investment partner. None of that changes. 'China is our most important trading destination. And it is such an important power in our region. We know that there are times where we will disagree with what China articulates. 'But the world is not only those two relationships.' She emphasised that the government's foreign policy aim is to 'advance Australia's interests in all circumstances' - balancing cooperation and disagreement. 'We obviously live in a region where China is a very, very substantial power. We are also a US ally,' Ms Wong said. She also addressed points of disagreement with China, citing human rights issues and differences over international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. 'China seeks to become a predominant power in our region. Australia wants a balance, where no country dominates and no country is dominated,' she said. The remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny over Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's six-day diplomatic visit to China, which drew criticism for its perceived softness. — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) July 16, 2025 Shortly before the trip, President Trump said the US would impose additional tariffs on any country aligning themselves with the 'Anti-American' politics of the BRICS group. The BRICS organisation includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Critics argued that Mr Albanese taking the trip to China before having met President Trump sent a bad signal about the government's approach to international affairs. His itinerary included visits to a Giant Panda breeding centre and the Great Wall of China, alongside dining with President Xi Jinping. Former home affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo suggested Mr Albanese should have pursued a 'shorter, sharper' visit with 'blunt' discussions on Taiwan. Shadow Finance Minister James Paterson described the trip as 'indulgent', questioning whether 'a visit to Chengdu to pose with some pandas' was 'strictly necessary'. Mr Albanese defended the trip, calling it 'worthwhile' given the agreements signed on trade and tourism, and stressing the importance of fostering 'a stronger relationship'. On Australia's alliance with the United States, Ms Wong reaffirmed the importance of the partnership, describing the US as 'our principal strategic partner'. She highlighted the broader regional strategy, noting that engagement extends beyond the US and China to include countries such as Japan, India, and South Korea. The Foreign Minister also reiterated Australia's commitment to the AUKUS defence pact, calling it a 'win-win-win' for Australia, the US, and the UK.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
New deep sea mining rules lack consensus despite US pressure
After two weeks of negotiations, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is still far from finalising rules for extracting coveted metals on the high seas despite heightened pressure triggered by US efforts to fast-track the controversial practice. Following a meeting in March and the current session in Jamaica, the 36 members of the ISA's executive council completed on July 17 a line-by-line reading of the proposed "mining code" and its 107 regulations for exploitation of the ocean floor in international waters. The minerals and metals in question, such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese, are used for electric vehicles and other emerging technologies. "This marks a significant milestone," council president Duncan Muhumuza Laki said to applause. But after more than a decade of talks, crucial sections of the proposed rules including mechanisms for protecting the marine environment are far from winning consensus, and several delegations have publicly opposed calls from Laki to work quickly to finalise the code this year, as envisioned in a 2023 roadmap. "The exploitation activities cannot begin as long as we do not have a solid, equitable framework," Chilean representative Salvador Vega Telias, whose country is one of 37 asking for a moratorium on deep sea mining, told the plenary session. He also said mining could not begin until experts could pinpoint "all the scientific knowledge that we need to have to identify the potential impacts and effects on the marine environment." For ISA Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho, "the deep sea needs rules." But, she added, "I firmly believe that the success of deep sea governance will depend on our ability to draw from robust science, inclusive dialogue, and the wisdom to act with precaution." Canadian mining firm The ISA session, which will continue this week with the assembly of all 169 member states, comes as US President Donald Trump threw a monkey wrench into the process in April. The Republican instructed his administration to fast-track the granting of permits for deep sea mining in domestic and international waters, citing an obscure 1980 US law and sidestepping the process undertaken by the ISA. The United States is not party to the independent ISA or to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), under which the ISA was established in 1994. Canada's The Metals Company (TMC) quickly jumped at the opportunity, lodging the first request for a high seas mining license -- a short-circuiting of the ISA process that was slammed by non-governmental organisations and some member states. Those parties appear to want to send a message to TMC on Friday, the last day of the council's session. A draft text still under discussion calls on the ISA's legal and technical commission to investigate "possible issues of non-compliance of contractors that may arise out of the facilitation of or the participation in actions intended to appropriate resources... contrary to the multilateral legal framework." The draft calls on the commission to report any instances of non-compliance or potential violations of the Law of the Sea and "recommend, where appropriate, measures to be taken by the Council." Nori, a subsidiary of TMC, has held since 2011 an exploration contract for an area of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean, which expires in one year. The Canadian firm had hoped to be the first recipient of an ISA-awarded commercial mining license to be used in that area, before pivoting to apply to Washington to work there. 'Common heritage' The talks in Kingston have been tense at times, with several delegations miffed about the rules put in place by the council president, including convening some negotiations behind closed doors. 'What the council is discussing currently is the common heritage of humankind,' Emma Watson of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, an alliance of NGOs, told AFP, criticizing what she called a 'big shift' in procedure. Ocean defenders have battled against what they say is the advent of an industry that will threaten isolated ecosystems, which have still not been thoroughly studied. Company executives and some countries say the world needs these strategic minerals and metals to propel clean energy technologies, such as electric cars.
India.com
4 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
China to pay heavy price for friendship with Pakistan, India's big move near South China Sea could...
China to pay heavy price for friendship with Pakistan, India's big move near South China Sea could… India and China's bilateral relations deteriorated following the Galwan Valley skirmish, a violent confrontation between troops of both countries, in 2020. In the recent confrontation between India and Pakistan, Beijing helped Islamabad with military weapons and intelligence. Now, the Indian Armed Forces are going to do something that will surely anger the Dragon. In August, China's top enemy, the Philippines, is going to showcase its prowess to the world near the South China Sea, and Indian forces will encourage the Philippine forces. Philippines President To Visit India Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is scheduled to visit India on a state visit between August 4-8. At the same period, naval forces of both India and the Philippines will conduct a maritime exercise near the South China Sea, on the coast of western Philippines. The bilateral relations between countries can be elevated to the level of a strategic partnership during this visit. Notably, Both Philippines and China claim Scarborough Shoal. China claims most of the South China Sea and its resources. Due to this, it keeps clashing with the Philippines. However, in 2016, Beijing's claim on the South China Sea was rejected under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). But this doesn't change China's stand and it continues to claim most parts of the South China Sea, because of which it also engages in sea and air clashes with the Philippine army. Why Is Military Exercise Between India And Philippines Important? The military exercise is important due to China's growing dominance in the Indo-Pacific region. This dominance is not only around Scarborough Shoal, but also around Second Thomas Shoal, which leads to skirmishes between the countries. The Philippine President's upcoming visit to India will boost defence and maritime ties between the two countries. For the first time, India and the Philippines will hold joint naval exercises which is a major step as the Manila faces sea disputes with China.
