The International Seabed Authority (ISA) has concluded its 30th session of Assembly and Council in Kingston, Jamaica, after three weeks of intense negotiations. The session marked a significant milestone in the global effort to regulate deep-sea mining, with France playing a key role in shaping the outcome.
France once again urged other nations to join forces to adopt a precautionary pause on deep-seabed mining, as it did at the recent Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France. The country’s call was echoed by Croatia, which became the 38th nation to support such a measure.
France strongly condemned any unilateral attempts to claim mining resources from deep-sea beds outside of the ISA framework, stressing that this would be contrary to international law. “The ISA is the only internationally recognized body that has the mandate and expertise to regulate deep-sea mining,” said a French diplomat. “Any attempts to bypass its authority would be unacceptable.”
During the ISA Council’s negotiations on a draft mining code, France emphasized the importance of adopting robust regulations that protect the environment and ensure fair and transparent procedures for all countries. The country’s delegation worked closely with other nations to strengthen the proposed code, which will serve as a blueprint for deep-sea mining practices worldwide.
The global community is now expected to review and discuss the draft code, with the aim of adopting a framework that balances economic interests with environmental protection. France’s efforts have helped to build momentum around this crucial issue, and the country remains committed to ensuring that deep-sea mining is conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner.
With the ISA’s 30th session concluding on a positive note, the international community is now poised to take significant steps towards regulating deep-sea mining. France’s leadership in shaping this process has helped to foster global cooperation and ensure that the world’s oceans are protected for future generations.
This development highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by deep-sea mining. As nations continue to navigate the complexities of this issue, it is clear that a collective approach is necessary to protect the world’s oceans and ensure sustainable economic growth.