Trinidad and Tobago – Key statements

November 2023

8/11/23

• The Economic Planning Commission is conceptualized as a critical subsidiary organ of the ISA responsible for, among other things, ensuring the smooth transition into seabed mining and implementing measures to assess land-based mining developing states whose economies are adversely impacted owing to activities in the Area.
• Given the critical juncture that the AUthority is at, my del believe sit is time to operationalize the Economic Planning Commission to allow for greater efficiency and effectiveness in accomplishing the tasks assigned to this entity. 
• As stewards of the common heritage of humankind. The responsibility is upon us to take all measures to ensure effective management of the marine resources.

July 2023

14/7/23

• Trinidad and Tobago stated that “in keeping with the obligations to protect the marine environment and equitably share benefits, my delegation believes that contracts for exploitation should not be approved. Until, rules, regulations and procedures have been adopted and  enforced in keeping with the dual mandate of the Authority.”

March 2023

24/3/23

• We hope that goodwill, the need to protect common heritage of humankind, and the need to use sustainable resources will guide our consensus. 

October/November 2022

3/11/22

• Called for more transparency and inclusivity going forward.
• On the northern Mid-Atlantic REMP, the delegation reiterated the need for REMPs to be in place before any exploitation activity can take place, in keeping with the need to ensure the protection and preservation of the marine environment from harmful effects that may occur from seabed mining and that the delegation cannot support the adoption of this round at this time.

July/August 2022

3/8/22

• The delegation stated that “Speed should not take precedence over quality. Regulations should not be adopted in an attempt to meet a deadline.”

28/7/22

• Stated that as the area is the common heritage of humankind, every effort should to be taken to ensure best practices are adopted.

25/7/22

• Called for consideration to be “given to ecological characteristics and recovery time when considering time for independent monitoring.”
• The delegation supported others in removing the word ‘serious’ from regulations.

21/7/22

• The delegation stated that a compliance unit is “Imperative” to “monitor and oversee activities and adherence to rules as we seek to protect Area from harmful effects.”