International Workshop On Environmental Management Needs For Exploration And Exploitation Of Deep Seabed Minerals

29 Nov 2011 - 2 Dec 2011

Agenda | Participant List | Presenters | Technical Study 10

The International Seabed Authority in collaboration with the Government of Fiji and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) SOPAC Division is organising an International Workshop on Environmental Management Needs for Exploration and Exploitation of Deep Sea Minerals, to be held in Fiji Islands from 29 November to 2 December 2011.

This initiative reflects the increasing interest and associated concerns on the potential impacts of deep sea minerals exploration and mining and how responsible authorities (i.e. governments and the ISA) will regulate this emerging economic development opportunity in a sustainable manner both within national jurisdiction and in the Area.

The objectives of this workshop are:

• To increase awareness of the nature of the mineral resources in marine areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction (“the Area”), and on the outer continental shelf, and the measures taken by the International Seabed Authority with regard to the protection of the marine environment from the harmful effects of deep seabed mining and the applicability of such measures to the development of marine minerals within national jurisdiction.
• To formulate preliminary recommendations for environmental impact assessments (EIA) of seabed mining both within and beyond national jurisdiction.

The workshop will be held at the Sofitel Fiji Resort, Nadi, Fiji Islands from 29 November to 2 December 2011. It will be hosted by the Fiji Government and co-organised by the International Seabed Authority and SPC/SOPAC Division.

Working Group Reports 
The working group discussions at the workshop resulted in each group producing a small report.  The drafts of these reports are linked below.  As discussed in Fiji, these reports will form the basis of a short technical study to be produced in 2012.  We are not opening the documents for major discussion as this was carried out during the workshop.  We also do not require comments on formatting or editing as these will be finalised when the technical study is produced.  However, if you were at the workshop and feel that there are any issues that were discussed but not reflected in the documents below please email Adam Cook (acook at isa.org.jm) as soon as possible, copying the chairs/rappporteurs of the relevant working group.  Comments submitted after 25th December 2011 will not be considered.

WG1 – EIS  | WG2 – Legal Issues | WG3 – Capacity

Opening Speeches

• Dr Russell Howorth, Director – SOPAC Division, Secretariat of the Pacific Community | Speech
• Honourable Minister Timoci Natuva, Minister of Works and Public Utilities, Fiji Government | Speech
• H.E. Nii Allotey Odunton, Secretary-General of the ISA | Speech