International Seabed Authority

21/10/2026

⁉️ What is the Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative?

Launched by the International Seabed Authority in 2022, SSKI brings together Member States, scientific institutions, contractors, international organizations, and individual experts to generate, assess, and disseminate deep-sea knowledge.

The initiative supports research and species identification, helps scientists build expertise, and makes biodiversity knowledge more accessible. Its purpose is simple: help the international community discover life on the deep seabed, share what we learn and use that knowledge to inform environmental management and decision-making.

Throughout the International Day of the Deep Seabed ( ) campaign, we’ll show what this work looks like through the discoveries, people and partnerships making it possible.

🔗 Learn more: https://deepseabedday.isa.org.jm/

20/10/2026

Starting today, we are counting down to 1 November 2027, the International Day of the Deep Seabed. The campaign will celebrate research, data-sharing, capacity development and scientific collaboration and the many ways in which they support effective stewardship and science-based decision-making in the Area.

1 November is our official day of commemoration. It was on that date, nearly 60 years ago, in 1967, that Arvi Pardo addressed United Nations and deemed the deep seabed as the common heritage of humankind, articulating an enduring spirit of multilateral cooperation that continues to define the Law of the Sea today.

To observe this historic milestone, this year’s campaign invites all participants to commemorate the day and celebrate the year by aligning activities with the theme and sharing milestones throughout 2027.

How You Can Support 2026:

➡️ Share this post and help spread the word.

➡️ Organize an event to celebrate the International Day of Deep Seabed.

➡️ Promote educational activities that raise awareness of deep-sea science.

➡️ Showcase research and discoveries in deep-sea taxonomy.

➡️ Share how scientific knowledge is informing dialogue and decision-making.

Please join 1,000 Reasons to Discover. Share. Use.

🔗 To learn more on how to join: deepseabedday.isa.org.jm/

16/10/2026

🎉 The countdown to the International Day of Deep Seabed has begun!

On 1 November, join the International Seabed Authority as we celebrate this day by showcasing the science that helps us understand and manage the resources of the deep seabed. This year’s theme of is “1,000 Reasons to: Discover. Share. Use. The campaign is anchored in the Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative (SSKI), a multi-donor, multi-partner collaborative platform to advance deep-sea biodiversity research, strengthen capacity, and improve access to knowledge in support of evidence-based regulatory processes.

The 1,000 Reasons campaign advances SSKI’s ambition to describe at least 1,000 new deep-sea species by 2030 in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll spotlight the species, scientists and partnerships expanding our knowledge and understanding of the deep sea.

🔗 Read the announcement: https://isa.org.jm/news/isa-launches-the-2026-2027-campaign-for-the-international-day-of-the-deep-seabed/

🌐 Check out the IDDS website: https://deepseabedday.isa.org.jm/

🔎 Take a look at the Campaign Toolkit https://trello.com/b/VHYUPloe/international-day-of-the-deep-seabed

Stay tuned for more! Repost and share to recognize and celebrate the science that helps inform decision-making!

15/10/2026

Santa Cruz de la Sierra, , is hosting the Global Workshop on the Participation of Landlocked Developing Countries ( ) in the Regime of the Area and the Benefit-Sharing Mechanism under UNCLOS.

The event is organized by the International Seabed Authority and the Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, with the support of UN-OHRLLS.

At the opening session on 13 October, Madam Secretary-General of the ISA, Leticia Carvalho, reaffirmed the principle of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea:

“The Area and its resources are the common heritage of humankind. But that heritage is only truly common if it benefits everyone. This must be reflected in who participates, who has access to knowledge and opportunities, and how the benefits arising from activities in the Area will ultimately be shared. Turning that promise into reality is central to the Authority’s mission.”

🔗 Read her speech as delivered (in Spanish):https://isa.org.jm/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/MSG-REMARKS-LLDC-WORKSHOP-BOLIVIA-OCT-2026.pdf

🌐 Learn more about the workshop: https://isa.org.jm/events/workshop-on-the-participation-of-lldcs-in-the-regime-of-the-area-and-the-benefit-sharing-mechanism-under-unclos/

14/10/2026

Madam Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority, Leticia Carvalho, reflects on the high-level week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly ( ), describing it as an “action-packed week” of productive bilateral engagements and valuable exchanges with Member States.

🌊 was at the heart of her meeting with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, Peter Thomson.

She also participated in a high-level roundtable on Maritime Governance and Decarbonisation, hosted by the United Nations Global Compact, and attended the Rising Nations Gala at the invitation of the Government of .

At UN Headquarters, Madam Secretary-General delivered ISA’s intervention at the Ministerial Meeting, hosted by the Permanent Mission of the Plurinational State of to the United Nations.

Her engagements also included bilateral meetings with representatives of , , , , , and .

💬 Reflecting on the week, she highlighted the importance of listening to Member States and incorporating their guidance, recommendations and best practices into the Secretariat’s work.

🔗 Read her full reflections: https://isa.org.jm/news/madam-secretary-general-reflects-on-attending-the-81st-session-of-the-un-general-assembly/

13/10/2026

📢 Calling all researchers and scientific advisers in marine science!

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is launching a new cohort of Scientific SHE, part of its See Her Exceed (SHE) Global Mentorship Programme!

This edition focuses on cumulative impacts in the marine environment, an area of strategic importance in international ocean governance.

Designed to empower women scientists working at the science-policy interface, Scientific SHE aims to strengthen their expertise in cumulative impact assessment and support their professional development.

What does the programme offer?

⏭️ One-on-one mentoring with a mentor drawn from academia, research institutions or industry, serving on a pro bono basis;

⏭️ A facilitated, remote mentorship cycle coordinated by the ISA Secretariat;

⏭️ The opportunity to contribute to a collective knowledge output on cumulative impacts in the marine environment, developed together with fellow mentees;

⏭️ Visibility at high-level institutional events of the Authority, including sessions of the Council and Assembly;

⏭️ Membership in a Community of Practice on cumulative impact assessment;

⏭️ Access to the ISA alumni network.

🗓️ Ready to join SHE? Apply by 31 October 2026!

🔗 Learn more about the eligibility criteria and application process: https://isa.org.jm/news/call-for-applications-scientific-she-second-cohort-of-mentees/

12/10/2026

Madam Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority, Leticia Carvalho, has arrived in the Plurinational State of for a series of high-level engagements this week. (Cancillería Bolivia)

On Tuesday, she will attend the opening of a global workshop in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, taking place from 13 to 15 October 2026, focused on the participation of landlocked developing countries ( ) in international seabed governance under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea ( ).

Organized by ISA in partnership with the Government of Bolivia, in its capacity as Chair of the Group of LLDCs, and UN-OHRLLS, the event will bring together representatives from 18 countries across , and , alongside ISA Finance Committee members and experts in international law, mineral governance, benefit-sharing, marine science and capacity development.

🔗 Read the press release and stay tuned for updates from Santa Cruz de la Sierra! https://isa.org.jm/news/isa-and-bolivia-to-host-global-meeting-on-landlocked-countries-stake-in-ocean-governance/

AECID

10/10/2026

"With this spirit of hope in humanity and faith in the global community that I engaged in this year’s , which despite many undeniable geopolitical hurdles, I believe demonstrated that the buzz of multilateralism – and its invitation to coordinate policies, build shared rules, and solve transnational challenges, together - is still alive and kicking." - Madam Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority Leticia Carvalho, in her latest op-ed about attending the United Nations General Assembly.

Read the full article:

Many leaders in the world are referring to this as a time of disorder and chaos. Indeed, power structures are shifting, trusted alliances broken, long held beliefs questioned and steadfast relationships tested.

08/10/2026

Madam Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority, Leticia Carvalho, welcomed the new Permanent Representative of the Republic of to the ISA, H.E. Mr. Iván Andrés Favereau Urquiza.

Ambassador Favereau Urquiza reaffirmed Chile´s commitment to multilateralism and ocean conservation as “a fundamental principle” of the nation´s foreign policy on environmental matters.

Madam Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho highlighted Chile´s longstanding engagement with the work of the Authority, noting that it reflects “a long national tradition in ocean science and commitment to the protection of the marine environment.

Read the article: https://isa.org.jm/news/the-new-permanent-representative-of-chile-to-the-isa-presents-his-credentials/

Cancillería Chile

08/10/2026

H.E. Mr. Manuel Adalberto Carlos Montenegro Lopes da Cruz presented his credentials as the new Permanent Representative of the Federative Republic of to the International Seabed Authority.

He was welcomed by Madam Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho at the ISA Headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica. Madam Secretary-General took the opportunity to express her pride in Brazil´s scientific, diplomatic and maritime traditions,” as well as the country´s “role in shaping how we govern and protect the oceans together.”

Ambassador Lopes da Cruz reaffirmed Brazil´s full commitment “to multilateralism and to international law, which underpin ocean governance, including for marine resources, through the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its institutions.”

Read the article: https://isa.org.jm/news/madam-secretary-general-welcomes-the-new-permanent-representative-of-brazil-to-the-isa/