As a global resource, scientific study in the international seabed area should include, wherever possible, scientists and researchers from both developing and developed countries. To achieve this objective, the member States of the International Seabed Authority established an endowment fund in 2006.
The International Seabed Authority Endowment Fund promotes and encourages the conduct of collaborative marine scientific research in the international seabed area through two main activities.
- By supporting the participation of qualified scientists and technical personnel from developing countries in marine scientific research programmes and activities
- By providing opportunities to these scientists to participate in relevant initiatives.
The International Seabed Authority Endowment Fund is guided by the common heritage principle that requires activities taking place within the international seabed area to benefit all mankind. Activities and programmes encouraged and promoted through the Fund in fact achieve social, scientific, developmental and environmental criteria that are intended to benefit the world as a whole.
On the 20th May 2008 the Advisory Panel for the Endowment Fund met for the first time. At this meeting the panel noted that in order for any training provided as a result of the fund to be of most benefit to developing countries it would be useful to better understand the requirements of those countries.
Please complete the questionnaire and return to the Secretariat of the Authority who will collate the responses for the Advisory Panel.
