Kingston, Jamaica (1 July 2026) – The International Seabed Authority (ISA) and the Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia held on 1 July 2026 a high-level webinar on the participation of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in the regime of the Area. Bolivia currently chairs the Group of LLDCs.
The webinar was organized with the support of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Islands Developing States (UN-OHRLLS).
The event brought together representatives of LLDCs to discuss their participation in ISA processes, including ongoing discussions on the draft exploitation regulations, benefit-sharing mechanisms, capacity development, technology transfer and cooperation.
During her opening remarks, Madam Secretary General Leticia Carvalho (ISA) highlighted that “LLDCs have a direct, legitimate and meaningful interest in the work of the Authority” and “the opportunities that the international legal framework provides for all States, regardless of geography or size.”
The webinar also provided an opportunity to highlight multilateralism, the principle of the common heritage of humankind, and the equitable sharing of the resources of the Area.
Madam Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho noted that, as the negotiations on the Mining Code continue, “it is essential that the voices and perspectives of the LLDCs are fully reflected in these discussions.”
Bolivia will co-host with ISA a Global Workshop on LLDCs Participation in the Regime of the Area and Benefit-sharing Mechanisms under UNCLOS, to be held from 13 to 16 October 2026 in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
The webinar served as a preparatory session for the workshop, which will aim to strengthen participants´ understanding of the rights and opportunities available to LLDCs under UNCLOS, including in relation to participation in the regime of the Area, benefit-sharing mechanisms, Article 82 of the Convention in relation with payments or contributions related to activities on the continental shelf, the ongoing negotiations on the Mining Code, and opportunities for capacity-building, technology transfer and cooperation.
During the webinar, the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, H.E. Ambassador Carlos Paz Ide, noted that although LLDCs do not have direct access to the sea, UNCLOS grants them “rights to the resources of the seabed beyond national jurisdiction”, establishing avenues for participation “in decision-making and for benefiting from activities carried out in the Area.”
According to H.E. Mr. Carlos Paz Ide, Bolivia considers important for Permanent Missions of LLDCs to coordinate strong positions in three areas: equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms, utilization of reserved areas and synergy with onshore mining experience.
The Director of UN-OHRLLS, Mr. Roland Mollerus, emphasized that the webinar took place “at an important moment for LLDCs”, following the adoption of the Awaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2024–2034.
Closing the webinar, Mr. Collen Chiutsi, Legal Expert at the Permanent Mission of Zimbabwe to the United Nations, speaking in Zimbabwe’s capacity as ocean focal point for the LLDC Group, highlighted opportunities available for LLDCs to strengthen their engagement in the work of the ISA, including “by participating more actively in discussions on the draft Regulations.”
Mr. Chiutsi also mentioned that LLDCs can contribute “to the development of equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms”, and enhance their technical, legal, scientific, and institutional capacities to engage effectively in the implementation of UNCLOS.
About ISA
ISA is an autonomous intergovernmental organization mandated by the UNCLOS to manage the mineral resources of the seabed beyond national jurisdiction for the shared benefit of humankind. ISA is committed to ensuring that all economic activities in the deep seabed, including mining, are regulated and responsibly managed using the best available scientific evidence for the benefit of all humankind.
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