The International Seabed Authority (ISA) and the Government of China successfully concluded the third knowledge transfer workshop organized under the auspices of the ISA-China Joint Training and Research Centre (ISA-China JTRC), held in Qingdao, China, from April 23–27, 2025. The workshop focused on advancing marine spatial planning in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) to support sustainable deep-sea stewardship.

Established in 2020, the ISA-China JTRC is the first national training and research center created under ISA’s mandate to promote marine scientific research and capacity development for the benefit of humankind, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Since its launch, the ISA-China JTRC has trained over 100 experts from around the world.

This third workshop brought together 22 participants from 16 developing countries, including seven from small island developing States and one from a least developed country. It followed previous workshops focused on data management and deep-sea scientific research.

Participants were immersed in the methodologies, concepts, and tools of the regional environmental management plan (REMP) process—a science-based approach critical to safeguarding the marine environment in ABNJ. Through interactive group work and expert-led sessions, participants contributed national perspectives and learned about best practices in marine spatial planning.

The workshop also featured a site visit to China’s National Deep Sea Centre, offering hands-on exposure to cutting-edge research and technology. In addition, participants attended the opening session of a back-to-back workshop on the development of the REMP for the Indian Ocean, providing further insight into regional efforts for environmental stewardship.

Mr. José Dallo Moros, Director of ISA’s Office of Environmental Management and Mineral Resources, remarked, “I am very pleased that the third knowledge transfer workshop under the auspices of the ISA-China JTRC tackled methodologies and tools of the REMP. This science-led process is the cornerstone in discharging ISA’s mandate of protecting the marine environment and ensures that we act as custodians of the global commons.”

Mr. Zhang Chunlei, Director of the National Deep Sea Centre and the ISA-China JTRC, added, “We feel deeply privileged to welcome the experts from 16 developing countries in Qingdao to exchange and learn from their experience in marine spatial planning in national contexts. I look forward to continuing the transfer of technology and scientific know-how for the benefit of humankind, including through joint scientific research in the coming months.”

The ISA-China JTRC continues to serve as a vital platform for international cooperation, capacity-building, and scientific exchange in the sustainable management of deep-sea resources.