SOA at the ISA29: Advocating for Future Generations and the Deep Sea

International discussions regarding the regulations and potential start of deep-sea mining (DSM) continued in Jamaica this year at the International Seabed Authority (ISA)—the United Nations governing body formed under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that oversees all activities relating to marine mineral resources found on the seabed of international waters (otherwise known as ‘the Area’). 

2024 marked the 29th Session at the ISA (ISA29), with Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) in attendance as official Observers advocating on behalf of 350,000+ concerned global citizens to protect our deep sea against this harmful and extractive industry. 

The 29th Session at the ISA – Council & Assembly Meetings

This July, the ISA Meetings were marked by two significant parts: the Council, followed by the Assembly. The ISA Council consists of 36 member States tasked with the creation and enforcement of policies under UNCLOS for deep-sea mineral exploration and exploitation—overseeing contract approvals and setting environmental standards. The ISA Assembly is then made up of all member States (168) which is empowered to establish general policies.

From July 15 to August 2, key discussions were held surrounding the negotiations of the Mining Code and the establishment of a General Policy for the protection of the marine environment—with the end of the session ushering in a change in leadership with the Secretary-General election.

The decisions being made at the ISA will heavily impact the lives of both current and future generations, making the presence of a youth organization such as Sustainable Ocean Alliance critical now more than ever as the marine resources under discussion and the methods of their extraction have the potential to negatively impact the ocean, its residents, and by extension, the ecosystem services it provides and the livelihoods that depend on it.

This session marked the first full year of SOA’s accreditation as an Observer at the ISA, and it was well represented by our Deep-Sea Delegation of young professionals from across the globe. SOA delegates traveled to Jamaica from Latin America, nearby Caribbean Islands, Africa, North America, and Europe—making it one of the most globally represented delegations at the ISA.

RELATED | MEET SOA’S DEEP-SEA DELEGATION AT THE ISA 29TH SESSION

Why is it important for young people to attend these meetings you may ask? This is because the marine resources under discussion at the ISA are regarded as the common heritage of humankind, inclusive of future generations. Youth are key stakeholders of the ocean and all that it provides, making it imperative that their voices are included in decisions in order to ensure all stakeholders of the ocean have their say. 

As such, this point was driven home in SOA’s opening remarks during at Assembly, powerfully delivered by delegate Adenike Adeiga of SOA Nigeria:

"During this Assembly meeting, we are facing decisions of immense importance for the well-being of humankind, including the discussion of a General Policy to ensure effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects. Considering our responsibility to represent the voice of youth, we emphasize that we and our descendants have the right to inherit a healthy deep ocean. A right currently threatened by the triple planetary crisis we face, that requests urgent collective action. Therefore, we urge all states to support a process for a General Policy.”

The General Policy refers to a set of policies for the protection of the marine environment, which is essential to considering and understanding the effects that mining the deep sea could have on its surroundings. 

Extracting these metals would potentially impact life both within the vicinity of mining and several kilometers beyond through sediment disturbance, noise and light pollution, and the disruption of the ocean’s ability to regulate climate. Therefore, adequate protections must be in place before such an activity is even considered to be allowed to begin.

It is the responsibility of the Assembly to establish these general policies and the Council to enforce them. Beginning the process for one that protects the marine environment was a hot discussion during the ISA29 Assembly.

Engaging Global Young Ocean Leaders

SOA’s diverse delegation was also important as several member States were able to observe young people from their regions sharing and advocating for their concerns about the negative effects deep-sea mining would cause. These delegates are now able to continue building this momentum in their home countries and regions.

Through interactions on the floor between meetings, SOA delegates were able to convey the importance of putting science first, and why it is imperative that sufficient research be conducted before diving head-first into an industry of which we have little information on the full repercussions.

The Assembly also marked the first attendance of Head of State President Surangel Whipps Jr. of the Republic of Palau, highlighting the importance of these discussions occurring.

President Whipps described the ocean as the lifeblood of our planet and reiterated his country’s support for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. With his two children listening closely behind him, he stated, “The voices of youth need to be honored at the decision-making table to strengthen global ocean governance.”

He encouraged the States in the room to envision the world their children and grandchildren will inherit—a vibrant, thriving ocean or a seabed devoid of life. 

RELATED | TIME OPED: DEEP SEA MINING ISN’T A VIABLE CLIMATE SOLUTION

32 Countries Against Deep-Sea Mining

While some countries were set on finalizing the mining code to begin deep-sea mining, more countries joined the call for a moratorium or precautionary pause during this session—bringing our coalition efforts to 32 countries against deep-sea mining. The new countries include Austria, Honduras, Malta, Tuvalu, and Guatemala, signaling a rise in the tide against deep-sea mining. 

Secretary-General Election

This session also ushered in a new era of leadership for the organization, with current Secretary-General Michael Lodge being superseded by Leticia Carvalho—a Brazilian oceanographer, UN Diplomat, and representative of the Global South. Ms. Carvalho is the first woman and first scientist to hold the position in the Authority’s 30-year history. 

With this change in leadership, there is hope that the ISA will move beyond its historical reputation into a new era of transparency, accountability, and science-based decision-making.  Ms. Carvalho will take office effective January 1, 2025, for a 4-year term. 

What Comes Next

Sustainable Ocean Alliance will continue to advocate on behalf of young people across the globe, raising awareness about the issue of deep-sea mining. Positive shifts are occurring incrementally—but the fight is not over yet. 

The ISA will reconvene in March 2025 for the 30th Session. Until then, SOA and our allies, partners, and global community of ocean advocates will continue our work to campaign against deep-sea mining around the world. 

Members of SOA's Deep-Sea Delegation (from left to right): Carlos Silva, Stefanie Torres, Stephania Anazco, Kyle Foster, Eugénia Barroca, Shannon Cosentino-Roush, Adenike Adeiga, and Daniel Caceres Bartra

Eager to be a part of the solution? Here is how you can join SOA in the fight against deep-sea mining:

FOLLOW US

Add your voice to SOA's calls to #DefendTheDeep across social media by resharing and following our social media posts on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads. 

SIGN PETITIONS

• Sign SOA’s Petition Against Deep-Sea Mining, in partnership with The Oxygen Project, Only One, and Deep Sea Conservation Coalition.

• Sign the Indigenous-Led Petition Against Deep-Sea Mining with Blue Climate Initiative.

• Sign these regional petitions for the U.S., Norway, Colombia, and Argentina.

CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES 

Encourage your government to oppose deep-sea mining by contacting your official representative here.