Statements

 

The International Seabed Authority
Kingston, Jamaica

On July 24, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the UN gave a statement during the Twenty-fourth Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) taking place in Kingston, Jamaica.

In its statement, the Holy See praised the progress made by the ISA in developing a regulatory framework for deep seabed mining and a five-year Strategic Plan. It emphasized three things: the importance of keeping people at the center of decisions and actions and actively involving those who would be directly impacted; the commercial reality of deep seabed mining beyond national jurisdiction and the need for relevant economic, environmental and social tools; and the necessity of identifying, understanding, minimizing and avoiding the risks associated with activities in the deep ocean. The Holy See stressed that every action should be framed not just within the context of rights but a “responsibilities-based” approach that protects the environment and shares the benefits with those people whose lives and livelihoods are most directly impacted.

 

Its statement can be found here.

Consideration and Adoption
of the Strategic Plan
International Seabed Authority
Kingston, Jamaica
 
On July 25, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the UN gave a statement during the Twenty-fourth Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) taking place in Kingston, Jamaica. The Statement was on Item 8 dedicated to “Consideration and Adoption of the Strategic Plan for the Authority for the Five-year Period 2019-2023.”

In its statement, the Holy See called ISA’s Strategic Plan “vital.” In urging a “responsibilities-based approach” overall, the Holy See encouraged ISA to main the focus on protecting and conserving our oceans as it ensures the rights of States and commercial enterprises. This will involve environmental stewardship, transparency, compliance, and accountability. The Holy See recalled UN Resolution A25/2749 and said that fundamental to the proper implementation of the Strategic Plan is the Resolution’s insistence on how the waters, seabed, and resources beyond national jurisdiction are “the common heritage of mankind.”

Its statement can be found here.