In celebration of the International Day of Biological Diversity, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is thrilled to announce a new funding opportunity for taxonomy projects focused on deep-sea species.
The “One Thousand Reasons” campaign launched under the Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative (SSKI) in collaboration with the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) and with the support of the European Union, aims to advance global understanding of the diverse and unique marine life found in the depths of our oceans.
“One Thousand Reasons” calls for projects that can contribute towards SSKI’s objectives to describe at least one thousand deep-sea species new to science in areas beyond national jurisdictions by 2030.
The funding will be allocated to projects that aim to describe deep-sea species, contributing to our understanding of their biology, distribution and ecological roles. By investing in such research endeavors, ISA seeks to promote sustainable management and conservation of deep-sea ecosystems, ensuring their protection for the benefit of humankind.
Applicants are invited to submit their project proposals by 22 July 2023. A panel of experts will evaluate the submissions based on scientific merit, potential impact and feasibility. Successful applicants will receive financial support of up to USD20,000, enabling them to conduct laboratory analysis, data processing, publication and dissemination.
Interested researchers and taxonomists can find detailed information, guidelines and the application form on the ISA website. For any queries regarding the funding opportunity, please contact Mr. Sherron Barker, Project Manager, Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative, ISA, sbarker@isa.org.jm.
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About the International Seabed Authority
ISA is an autonomous international organization mandated by UNCLOS to protect the international seabed for the benefit of humankind. ISA is committed to the principle that all nations of the world should be able to benefit from responsible, sustainable and regulated economic activities in the deep seabed and the potential resources it holds for a global green energy transition. ISA works to ensure that the voices of all States and stakeholders, including developing States, civil society organizations and all ISA Members, are effectively heard during discussions on the sustainable development and stewardship of the international seabed area.
About the Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative
SSKI is a collaborative platform launched by ISA and partners in June 2022 to generate and disseminate new knowledge needed to inform better decision-making processes and support the effective protection of the marine environment in the Area. In particular, SSKI will describe over one thousand new species from the regions of the Area that are currently being explored for mineral resources and may be targeted for future exploitation. The initiative and the new knowledge it will generate will enable scientists to create maps of life on the seafloor and help us understand and manage the possible effects of anthropogenic activities on deep-sea ecosystems.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Stefanie Neno, Communications Specialist, ISA, sneno@isa.org.jm