The Secretariat of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL), a world-leading independent research center advancing international and comparative law, have signed a Letter of Cooperation to strengthen their collaboration on matters related to the work of the Enterprise.

This new partnership aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and with ISA’s Strategic Plan and High-Level Action Plan for 2019–2025, as well as its Capacity Development Strategy adopted in 2022. It establishes a framework for institutional cooperation focused on implementing the principle of the common heritage of humankind and equitable sharing of benefits, as set out in Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement.

A central focus of the cooperation will be supporting the work of the Enterprise—the operational arm of ISA established under Article 170 of UNCLOS. The Enterprise is mandated to carry out activities in the Area directly, including the transport, processing, and marketing of recovered minerals. While operating autonomously under the guidance of the Assembly and Council, the Enterprise’s functions are currently performed by the ISA Secretariat through an Interim Director General, which is in line with the evolutionary approach to its development.

ISA Secretary-General, H.E Michael W. Lodge, welcomed this new collaboration by stressing the wealth of activities that such a partnership could elevate. “I welcome this new partnership, which will, without doubt, consolidate the work of the Enterprise at such a critical juncture for the benefit of all,” Mr. Lodge said.

Prof. Spyros Maniatis, Director of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law, noted the opportunity of this new partnership. “The British Institute of International and Comparative Law is delighted to cooperate with Enterprise to promote the sustainable and equitable governance of the international seabed. We look forward to collaborating on research and knowledge-sharing activities,” he said.

Mr. Eden Charles, Interim Director General of the Enterprise, ISA, highlighted the added value of such cooperation, “The development is a culmination of months of work between BIICL and the Enterprise in order to ensure that the level of cooperation agreed to would assist the Enterprise in discharging its mandate during this phase of its work.”

Under the agreement, both organizations will work together to organize joint lectures, research projects, workshops, conferences, and publications to foster dialogue among stakeholders and disseminate information about the work of the enterprise.

This partnership reinforces ISA’s commitment to ensuring that activities in the Area benefit humankind while effectively protecting the marine environment in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.