Joint statement of 38 environmental NGOs on the topic of deep sea drilling

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) recently drafted the Strategic Plan that will define the regulations for the deep-sea exploration for the 2019-2023 period.

The ISA asked NGOs and other groups involved in deep-sea studies for input on the draft document and a group of 38 environmental NGOs, of which Archipelagos Marine Institute is part, sent a joint statement, since the draft lacks of consideration for the actual protection of such sensitive deep water habitats.

With this statement, these 38 environmental NGOs call on the International Seabed Authority to take actions for the conservation of the deep sea and the rights of the coastal communities and society in general.

In conclusion, deep sea drilling is out of tune with Sustainable Development. Taking into account the potentially irreversible losses of marine life that are likely to result from deep-sea mining due to the very slow recovery rates of the affected ecosystems, especially compared to the short-term socio-economic benefits that might result from this activity.


The joint statement of the 38 environmental NGOs call on the International Seabed Authority:


The joint statement highlights the risk of destroying rare ecosystems with a vital role for our planet and has as a common goal the protection of natural heritage for future generations through the preservation of the natural environment and the implementation of the internationally-established “Precautionary Principle”.

You can read the full statement HERE

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