LEGAL AND TECHNICAL COMMISSION APPROVES ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES, SEABED COUNCIL TOLD

LEGAL AND TECHNICAL COMMISSION APPROVES ENVIRONMENTAL

ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES, SEABED COUNCIL TOLD

(Received from the International Seabed Authority.)

KINGSTON, 6 July -- A set of recommendations to guide seabed contractors in assessing the environmental consequences of their exploration for polymetallic nodules in the deep seabed was adopted this week by the Legal and Technical Commission, its Chairman informed the Council of the International Seabed Authority this morning.

Inge Zaamwani (Namibia), re-elected as Chairman at the Commission’s closed-door session this week, explained that the recommendations describe how contractors should go about gathering environmental data before, during and after their exploration activities.

The Council agreed to discuss the recommendations next week, after the Russian Federation asked that members be given a chance to review the text.

The Council will meet next at 10 a.m. Tuesday, 10 July, to resume discussion of possible regulations for polymetallic sulphides and cobalt-rich crusts.

      The Chairman of the Legal and Technical Commission, Ms. Zaamwani (Nambia), reporting on the meetings held by that 23-member body of experts from 2 to 5 July, outlined the purposes of its newly adopted recommendations to guide seabed contractors in assessing the possible environmental impacts of exploration for polymetallic nodules in the international seabed area.

The recommendations describe procedures to be followed in acquiring baseline data on existing conditions, as well as in monitoring seabed activities that might cause serious environmental harm.  These procedures have three aims: (1) to define the biological, chemical, geological and physical components that contractors should measure and the procedures they should follow to avoid environmental harm; (2) to facilitate reporting by contractors to the Authority; and (3) to guide potential contractors in preparing plans of work for seabed exploration.

The Commission began work on these recommendations in 1999.  The newly approved version takes into account the outcome of a workshop on standardization of environmental data, held by the Authority last week in Kingston.  The recommendations serve as guidelines rather than legal requirements for contractors, and are issued under the Commission’s authority, spelled out in regulation 38 of the Regulations for Prospecting and Exploration for Polymetallic Nodules in the International Seabed Area, adopted by the Authority last July.

Ms. Zaamwani said the Commission agreed with the workshop that the Authority should facilitate marine environmental research, “using additional resources”.  The Commission particularly noted the benefits of collaboration between contractors.

On other matters the Chairman said the Commission had taken note of the fact that the Interoceanmetal Joint Organization had relinquished part of its initially assigned seabed area to the Authority, as required under the “parallel system” of equal treatment for the Authority and contractors.

Reviewing a report by India on its seabed activities in 2000, the Commission suggested that it would be useful in future if contractors attended its meetings to discuss their reports.  It observed that future reports by contractors should be far more detailed than heretofore, now that the new regulations were in effect.

In reviewing the contracts signed this year with seabed operators, the Chairman said the Commission had no further comments, as the contracts had already been approved.

In the brief discussion following the Chairman’s report, the Russian Federation requested time for a full Council discussion on the recommendations.  He cited regulation 38 of the Regulations on Exploration for Polymetallic Nodules, which reads as follows:

“1.  The Legal and Technical Commission may from time to time issue recommendations of a technical or administrative nature for the guidance of contractors to assist them in the implementation of the rules, regulations and procedures of the Authority.

“2.  The full text of such recommendations shall be reported to the Council.  Should the Council find that a recommendation is inconsistent with the intent and purpose of these Regulations, it may request that the recommendation be modified or withdrawn.”

Secretary-General Satya N. Nandan noted that the Commission was aware of the regulation governing its reporting to the Council.  The report would be available in all languages early next week.

The Secretary-General concurred with Egypt that the Commission’s recommendations did not require action by the Council.  Mr. Nandan said observations by Council members could be referred to the Commission and, if necessary, there would be opportunity for further discussion on the recommendations during the 2002 session.

Argentina questioned a reference in the Commission’s report to “the conservation and management of genetic resources” as one of the topics the Authority should monitor in terms of any impact on its functions and responsibilities.  Argentina noted that this topic was not under review in the annual United Nations consultative meetings on ocean affairs.  The Chairman responded that other bodies in the United Nations system were considering this matter and the Commission’s intent was that such discussion should be monitored wherever it was taking place.