At a virtual meeting, Ambassador Enrique. A. Manalo, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations, discusses cooperation with International Seabed Authority Secretary General Michael Lodge. 

 

2 June 2021, New York – Ambassador Enrique. A. Manalo, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations, discussed with Mr. Michael Lodge, Secretary General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the various activities of the ISA and future areas of cooperation, at a virtual meeting today.

Ambassador Manalo told Secretary General Lodge that “the Philippines attaches great importance to the work of the ISA, and we appreciate the chance to participate and contribute to the work of the Authority in managing mineral resources in the Area, beyond national jurisdiction.”

Headquartered in Jamaica, the primary function of the ISA is to regulate exploration for and exploitation of deep seabed minerals found in 'the Area,' which is defined by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the seabed and subsoil beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, that is, beyond the outer limits of the continental shelf.

“More and more, the work of the ISA is becoming important, and we look forward to working with the ISA on a possible legal regime for our contractors to take part in this process,” Ambassador Manalo added.

Secretary General Lodge expressed appreciation for Philippine support to the ISA, highlighting its regular financial contribution and active participation in capacity-building and other activities of the ISA.

The Secretary General cited the significant contribution of a Filipino scientist, Dr. Mario Aurelio, who is presently part of the 30-member Legal and Technical Commission of the ISA, which is responsible for reviewing applications for plans of work, supervising exploration or mining activities, and assessing environmental implications of activities in the Area.

The effective management of the Area can contribute to the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 14, which is to "Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development."

ISA came into existence on 16 November 1994, upon the entry into force of UNCLOS.  In accordance with UNCLOS, all States Parties to the convention are ipso facto members of ISA. As of 1 May 2020, ISA has 168 members, including 167 member States and the European Union. END