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.