Leading international experts gathered in Qingdao, China, from April 27 to May 1, 2025, for a technical workshop aimed at advancing the development of a regional environmental management plan (REMP) for the Area of the Indian Ocean, with a focus on Mid-Ocean Ridges and the Central Indian Ocean Basin.

A recognized hub for ocean research, development, and international cooperation, Qingdao provides an ideal setting for the workshop, which is co-organized by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the China Deep Ocean Affairs Administration, the First Institute of Oceanography of the Ministry of Natural Resources of China and the Secretariat of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.

The event was co-chaired by four members of ISA’s Legal and Technical Commission: Dr. Shengxiong Yang, Dr. Malcolm Clark, Dr. Becky Hitchin, and Dr. Sissel Eriksen. They are joined by 34 international experts from 22 countries, nominated by ISA Member States, contractors, observers, and leading scientific institutions.

Building on progress made during a previous workshop held in Chennai, India, in 2023, participants pursued their review of updated scientific evidence, refining methodologies, and identifying potential area-based management tools essential for ensuring effective protection of the marine environment in the Area. The outcomes from this workshop will support ISA’s Legal and Technical Commission in formulating key elements of the REMP for the region.

“Our collective efforts through this workshop will not only pave the way for a science-based and comprehensive REMP for the Indian Ocean but will also further incentivize collaboration in environmental research,” said Mr. José Dallo, ISA’s Director of the Office of Environmental Management and Mineral Resources. “Ultimately, we aim to strengthen our shared capability to manage global commons beyond national jurisdiction.”

Dr. Li Xiangyang, Deputy Director-General of the China Deep Ocean Affairs Administration, stated that “China stands firmly by the principles of multilateralism, recognizing it as the cornerstone for advancing global ocean governance. This approach provides the essential framework for achieving the dual objectives of sustainable development of deep-sea resources and ensuring the effective protection of the marine environment.”

Highlighting the importance of the task of developing a REMP for the Area of the Indian Ocean, Professor Li Tiegang, Director-General of the First Institute of Oceanography of the Ministry of Natural Resources of China, said: “The First Institute of Oceanography has accumulated rich experiences in deep ocean research over the past 40 years and is committed to working closely with the experts from all over the world on the formulation of the Indian Ocean REMP under the auspices of ISA.”