July 25, 2025
On July 20th, the « Deep Sea Dialogue » took place, co-organized by Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, the Oceano Azul Foundation, and IUCN, alongside the 30th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), which was held on July 21st in Kingston.
These two pivotal events — the first of which was marked by rich and constructive discussions — brought together scientists, economists, legal experts, Indigenous voices, policymakers, and civil society representatives. They created a neutral, inclusive, and thoughtful space outside of formal negotiations.
During the Assembly, ISA Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho reminded participants that the United States, which is not a member of the Authority, has chosen to act unilaterally in deep-sea mining — a move that highlights just how essential international unity and cooperation are to safeguarding this shared heritage. She emphasized that “the rest of the world stands united, cohesive, and supports the rule of law and the role of the International Seabed Authority.”
Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, Ambassador for the Poles and Maritime Issues, underlined that “the deep seabed is not merely a frontier to be exploited — it is a common good that we are responsible for protecting.” He stressed that one of the pillars of governance in these areas lies in science, knowledge, and international solidarity. He also noted that the scientific community has urgently called for time and caution to develop a robust regulatory framework — particularly in the context of the upcoming Mining Code — in order to avoid irreversible damage and ensure fair, sustainable use.
“Collective wisdom and shared responsibility must guide our decisions, because what is at stake is the very survival of our common heritage,” he stated.
This message underscores the fundamental importance of collective commitment — grounded in science, transparency, and environmental responsibility — to ensure that the deep seabed is protected for current and future generations.
La Saison Bleue
