Having operated in relative obscurity since its inception in 1994, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is now firmly in the spotlight, especially with the ongoing negotiations on the Mining Code and the “two-year rule” triggered by Nauru in June 2021. At the same time, calls to halt development of seabed mining are growing, including from States, scientists, and the private sector, and discussions are accelerating on the overdue “review” of the Authority and the process of revising the expiring strategic plan.
In this context, IDDRI supports States and stakeholders in understanding the complexities of this critical moment and promotes both the preservation of the deep sea ecosystems and a better governance of their resources.
