As global demand for critical minerals accelerates, Commonwealth countries are working to ensure that the emerging deep seabed mining industry is governed not just by opportunity but by fairness, sustainability, and shared benefits.
At the 31st Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) held in Jamaica from 9–19 March, negotiations on draft regulations for mining in international waters entered a crucial stage. These discussions will determine how resources beneath the ocean floor, considered the ‘common heritage of humankind’, are managed for generations to come.
For many Commonwealth developing countries and small states, the stakes are significant. Deep seabed minerals could support economic development and the global clean energy transition, but only if strong environmental safeguards and equitable governance frameworks are in place.
Led by Dr Chilenye Nwapi, Legal Adviser and Team Lead, Victor Kitange, Economic Adviser, in the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Energy and Natural Resources Section, the Secretariat provided hands-on technical support throughout the Session. This included analysing evolving draft regulations, supporting national interventions and strengthening coordination, particularly within the African Group of States at the ISA, to help countries navigate complex legal, environmental and economic issues and engage effectively in the negotiations.
Ahead of the negotiations, Dr Nwapi said:
“Our role is to ensure that Commonwealth countries are not only present in these negotiations, but able to engage effectively and shape outcomes that reflect sustainability, equity and their long-term development priorities.”
This year’s negotiations were particularly intensive, addressing a wide range of issues, from environmental protections and benefit-sharing mechanisms to financial models and regulatory oversight. For many Commonwealth developing nations and small states, the pace and technical depth of discussions present ongoing challenges, underscoring the importance of sustained support.
The Secretariat supports more than 25 member states each year in these complex negotiations, helping those with limited technical capacity to participate on a more equal footing. This sustained support is vital to securing inclusive and balanced outcomes as global rules for seabed resources take shape.
Speaking on behalf of the Kiribati delegation, Mr Tieri Tamoa, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, said:
“This assistance has been instrumental in ensuring that smaller delegations, such as ours, are able to participate on a more equal footing in complex negotiations that would shape the governance of mineral resources in the international seabed area for years to come,” adding that “we particularly appreciate [the Secretariat team’s] responsiveness, professionalism and depth of expertise throughout.”
By empowering its member states to participate meaningfully, the Commonwealth Secretariat is helping to shape a balanced global framework, one that recognises both the opportunities of seabed resources and the responsibility to protect fragile marine ecosystems.
As negotiations continue, the Commonwealth remains committed to ensuring that its member states can pursue sustainable economic opportunities while safeguarding the ocean for future generations.
To request more information about the Commonwealth Secretariat’s deep seabed mining programme, please contact:
- Ms Naadira Ogeer, Acting Head, Energy and Natural Resources Section ([email protected]), or
- Dr Chilenye Nwapi, Legal Adviser and Deep Seabed Mining Advisory Lead ([email protected])
Find out more about how we support member countries with the good governance of natural resources maximising national benefits and social and environmental protections for a just energy transition.
