UNCLOS: Responsibilities and Obligations of Sponsoring States - ITLOS Advisory Opinion

The seabed in the Area (beyond national jurisdiction) contains valuable sources of minerals, including polymetallic nodules and polymetallic sulphides. In the past, it was not economical to exploit these sources. Now rising commodity prices and advanced technologies allow people to explore this &quo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Environmental policy and law 2012-03, Vol.42 (2), p.90-90
Main Author:	Vromman, Pia
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Compliance Councils Due diligence Ecosystems Environmental impact Environmental protection Jurisdiction Law Liability Mining Regulation Responsibilities Seawater Studies
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	The seabed in the Area (beyond national jurisdiction) contains valuable sources of minerals, including polymetallic nodules and polymetallic sulphides. In the past, it was not economical to exploit these sources. Now rising commodity prices and advanced technologies allow people to explore this "common heritage of mankind" upon condition of approval by the International Seabed Authority (ISA). Moreover, deep seabed mining could lead to enormous environmental damage, for example to ecosystems. This paper discusses the Advisory Opinion of the Chamber in three ways. Firstly, it states the answers that the Chamber gave to these three questions. Secondly, it weaves in the author's opinion on the matter, as well as opinions expressed by other authors or countries. Thirdly, it concludes with an overall assessment of the Advisory Opinion by pointing out its general strengths and weaknesses.
ISSN:	0378-777X 1878-5395