Activities taking place within the international seabed area should benefit all mankind. The Fund achieves social, scientific, development and environmental criteria to benefit the world as a whole.
We invite the members of the Authority, international and philanthropic organizations, corporations, and academic, scientific and technical institutions to provide financial and in-kind contributions to the Fund. The ISA Endowment Fund was set up with an initial capital of US$3 million. For the time being, only the interest generated from this investment may be used to support its initiatives.
The mission of the Endowment Fund is to promote and encourage collaborative marine scientific research through two main activities:
- supporting the participation of qualified scientists and technical personnel from developing countries in research programmes and activities; and
- providing opportunities for collaboration by these persons in relevant initiatives.
We will accomplish our mission by annually increasing the Endowment Fund principal through financial and in-kind contributions – and by ensuring opportunities for collaborative research through partnerships and by increasing applications from participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the immediate goal?
The Authority has had some excellent success partnering in and funding collaborative marine scientific research. Starting similar projects would be considered an initial success, in addition to securing two-three financial and in-kind contributions.
| How will financial contributions be used? |
The Fund was set up with an initial capital of USD$3 million, but for the time being, only the interest generated from this investment may be used to support its initiatives. Financial contributions will allow us to increase the number of participants in collaborative marine scientific initiatives, including training programs.
Why should I make a donation?
The Fund will achieve environmental, developmental, social and scientific criteria that benefit all mankind by:
- increasing research in deep-sea areas where biodiversity and marine resources are not always well understood;
- obtaining information about deep-seabed mineral resources, biodiversity and the effects of human activities in the deep ocean to improve regulations for deep-sea mining when it is ready to commence.
- facilitating the transfer of multi-disciplinary skills to scientists and technicians from developing countries.
- leveraging scarce scientific research funds by encouraging collaborative activities, and ensuring that scientific knowledge gained from these activities is shared across the international scientific community.
| What does this kind of research cost? |
Deep-seabed research can be very costly. To support 30 scientists on a research cruise, for example, the average cost is USD$90,000 per day. The research tools necessary for this type of science also incur significant costs. A remotely operated vehicle capable of withstanding 6,000 metres deep in the ocean costs at least USD$20,000 per day – and using a manned submersible is significantly more.
The international seabed area is the ocean floor beyond the limits of national jurisdiction. This Area is designated as the common heritage of mankind, and is administered by the International Seabed Authority. Building scientific knowledge and understanding of the resources and biodiversity on and around the seabed, as well as the affects of human activities on this deep-sea area, will help the Authority to sustainably manage this legacy.
