High-level Event "Launch of Report on the Contribution of the International Seabed Authority to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”

(30 November 2021)

Remarks by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

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I congratulate Secretary General and the Secretariat of International Seabed Authority (ISA) on the Launch of Report on Contribution of ISA to the achievement of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The report clearly brings out that the Authority and the legal regime established by UNCLOS together with the 1994 Agreement contribute significantly towards achievement of SDGs.

2. There is a key need to strengthen national and regional capabilities in marine science and technology to enable developing countries to share in marine scientific advances and apply scientific knowledge. Greater focus on the development and transfer of marine technology would lay the foundations for equitable participation by all states.

3. ISA has a specific responsibility under UNCLOS to promote the conduct of marine scientific research and to coordinate and disseminate those results.  Recognizing its unique mandate, ISA has also developed an action plan in support of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

4. We also take note of ISA having developed a Deep Seabed and Ocean Database, known as Deep Data. The data so produced are a vital contribution to the field of marine scientific research. Deep Data and the research of ISA’s contractors aligns with SDG 14 (Life below water), particularly target 14(a) on increasing scientific research in order to improve ocean health. 

5. We acknowledge that ISA has also established a Regional Environmental Management Plan (REMP) in the Clarion-Clipperton-Zone in 2012.

6. We appreciate the Secretary General’s Award for Excellence in Deep-Sea Research which recognizes the achievements of young researchers from developing States on further understanding of deep-sea environments

7.  India was recognized as a Pioneer Investor in Aug 1987 and was allotted a site of 150,000 km in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) for carrying out developmental work for exploration and survey of polymetallic nodules lying on the seabed at 4000 to 6000 m water depth.

8. Subsequently, India entered into a 15-year Contract in 2002 for survey and exploration of the retained 75,000 sq km² at the CIOB. During this period, deep sea technology development work and trials at sea were conducted in development of an integrated mining system. The Contract was renewed for a further period of 5 years in 2017. India has been planning stage level mining trials at the CIOB.

9. India had also undertaken training on deep sea mining for the candidates selected by ISA, from various developing countries. These efforts in capacity building and education have benefitted large numbers. We view this engagement with other developing countries as crucial for sharing the benefits for all humanity.

10. Presently, India is actively involved with the ISA in formulating the PMN Exploitation Code for commercial mining, such that the efforts of deep sea mining do not leave any irreversible environment impact on the oceans, and that the actions are sustainable.

11.  The discoveries of many fossil and active hydrothermal system along Central Indian Ridge (CIR) and South West Indian Ridge (SWIR) as well as promising evidence of hydrothermal plume and mineralization signatures in this region, suggest the possibility of many Hydrothermal sulfide mineralization zones in the region. India conducted preliminary surveys and exploratory works in parts of Central and South West Indian ridges, close to the Rodriguez Triple Junction, and many probable and potential zones of hydrothermal activity have been identified.  India entered an agreement with ISA for undertaking 15 years of exploration work in an area of 10,000 sq kms for identifying and developing mining sites in the region.

12.  Systematic water column studies using CTD and MAPR (Miniature Autonomous Plume Recorder) were undertaken, thus locating many potential plume signatures. Integrated bathymetric and geological studies could infer the identification of new Oceanic Core Complexes (OCCs), which are considered as favourable sites for hydrothermal activity.

13. Having located many potential zones of activity in the form of plumes, sediment mineralization, OCC’s etc., the main focus is now to locate the active and inactive zones of mineralization. Advanced surveys primarily utilizing Autonomous under water vehicles (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) etc. will be undertaken in future for the purpose, under Deep Ocean Mission.

14.  I thank you once again for giving me the opportunity to speak on this important occasion.

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