What lies beneath? Global governance of the deep seabed 

Speaker: Dr Joanna Dingwall, Visiting Lecturer in International Law, University of Glasgow 

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Abstract: The deep seabed beyond national jurisdiction and its mineral resources are designated as the common heritage of humankind. Known as the Area, this vast underwater zone covers around half of the planet and supports diverse ecosystems, significant biodiversity, and substantial mineral resources, including critical metals and rare earth elements. 

The Area is regulated, on behalf of humanity, by the International Seabed Authority (ISA). Acting under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the ISA authorises access to deep seabed minerals by granting contracts for exploration and, potentially, exploitation.

This seminar examines the legal framework governing the Area and analyses the principal challenges now confronting it. These include the growing demand for critical materials to support the energy transition, mounting concern over the environmental risks of deep seabed mining, and increasing calls for a moratorium or precautionary pause. The discussion also considers emerging geopolitical tensions and the resilience of the multilateral regime in the face of potential unilateral action.

Organised by CEENRG