Highlights and images for 31 July 2024

Assembly members concluded their discussion on the Secretary-General’s annual report on the activities of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Secretariat and focused on the other items on its agenda. Delegates worked intensively to make progress as Thursday, 1 August, marks Jamaica’s Emancipation Day and no meeting will take place. Deliberations will continue Friday, 2 August, including the election for the position of the Secretary-General.

During the day, delegates focused on, among other things:

• the statement by the Council President on the work of the Council during the 29th session;
• the report and recommendations of the Finance Committee, including the ISA budget for 2025-2026;
• the second periodic review of the international regime of the Area; and
• the proposal for a general policy of the ISA for the protection and preservation of the marine environment.

On the Council President’s report, delegates noted progress in the development of the draft exploitation regulations but emphasized that much work remains on controversial issues that attract divergent opinions.

On the Finance Committee report and the ISA budget for the next biennium, some delegates expressed their support for the Finance Committee’s recommendations and the budget, noting the increase in the Secretariat’s activities and workload.  

Others called on the Secretary-General to implement greater transparency and accountability measures concerning the reclassification of posts and to include a report on the breakdown of the costs and class of air travel for all members of the Secretariat. They expressed concerns that, despite requesting this information to be shared with the Assembly prior to the adoption of the budget, it has yet to be provided by the Secretariat. They emphasized that, although these concerns remain unanswered, they will not block the final decision. The Assembly adopted the budget for the next biennium.

On the second periodic review, delegates exchanged views on the appropriateness of initiating such a review at this stage. Some members supported starting as soon as possible, underscoring relevant obligations under Article 154 (periodic review) of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In contrast, others suggested postponing the review, pointing toward the ISA Secretariat's workload and the priority that should be given to developing and approving the draft exploitation regulations. A few delegates raised budgetary concerns and called for alternative funding mechanisms. Delegations will continue to debate the need for a second periodic review during Friday's session.

On a general ISA policy on the protection and preservation of the marine environment, Chile, on behalf of the proposal’s proponents, outlined the legal basis mandating the Assembly to establish general policies and explained its importance.

Many delegates supported the proposal, noting it will:

• be a significant advance in efforts to safeguard the marine environment;
• provide a cohesive and robust framework for decision making on ocean governance, including coordination with other processes; and
• be vital for defining minimum standards for environmental protection in the Area.

A couple of members emphasized that the draft decision provides for an intersessional dialogue and not on the content of such general policy. Other delegations supported intersessional dialogue for the further refinement of the proposal for a general policy.

Other members, while appreciating that a general policy could provide an overarching framework for the ISA’s work, suggested the Council initiate discussions on the scope of a general policy, as well as the timeframe and modalities of work for its development, and submit the relevant recommendations to the Assembly. Some pointed out that the ISA’s work related to the protection of the marine environment suffices, pointing to the need to avoid the duplication of work, and that a one-size-fits-all approach of a general policy may not be suitable given the diverse nature of marine environments.

Some delegations queried what the implications of such a general policy would have on the work of the ISA and how it would interact with existing maritime-related frameworks. They further underscored that the Council is overburdened with the development of the draft exploitation regulations and opined that there is no pressing need to adopt the general policy prior to concluding negotiations on the draft regulations. A regional group noted that ISA’s strategic plan already addresses issues of environmental protection. Discussions over the establishment of a general policy will continue during Friday's deliberations.