PH Hosts International Seabed Authority Workshop on Deep-Sea Related Matters 

(left to right) Department of Foreign Affairs Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office Assistant Secretary Maria Angela A. Ponce; Acting Secretary for Foreign Affairs Charles C. Jose; International Seabed Authority Secretary-General Michael W. Lodge; Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo (Photo courtesy of DFA-OPCD Maria Vanessa Ubac)

MANILA 13 October 2023 – The Philippines, in collaboration with the International Seabed Authority (ISA), hosted the 2023 ISA-Philippines national capacity development workshop on deep-sea related matters from 09-11 October 2023 in Manila, which brought together a diverse group of government officials, experts, academics, civil society and industry representatives to explore and discuss critical topics related to deep-sea exploration and mining.

The workshop, jointly organized by the ISA and the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines (DFA) - Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (MOAO), serves as a platform for knowledge sharing, dialogue, and cooperation. It builds upon previous workshops and consultations related to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the work of the ISA, emphasizing updates and progress in the implementation of these crucial frameworks.

The workshop is divided into thematic sessions focusing on the following key areas: ISA’s governance structure and mandate; use of deep-seabed mineral resources in support of blue economy; roles and responsibilities of contractors and states sponsoring them; protection of the marine environment, marine scientific research and benefits sharing; and capacity building and training. 

This workshop underscores the commitment of both the Philippines and the ISA to foster cooperation among stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector. The goal is to increase awareness and understanding of UNCLOS, promote sustainable practices in deep-sea exploration and mining, and identify key issues and challenges that must be addressed to develop a responsible deep-sea related policy and regulatory framework.

The event will also include group discussions, where participants will collaborate and deliberate on recommendations for the future of deep-sea mining in the Philippines.

The workshop opened with addresses from H.E. Michael W. Lodge, Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority, Acting Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations Charles C. Jose, Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo, Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to the International Seabed Authority, and Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office Maria Angela A. Ponce. END