Portugal

Date: 10 November 2022

March 2023

27/3/23

  • Stated that activities shouldn’t be allowed before adequate rulers, regs and procedures are in place and plans of work can’t be approved before such framework is in place
  • Approval of plans of work should be predicated on existence of sufficient scientific knowledge
  • Supported France’s proposal

24/3/23

  • Stated that we are bound by UNCLOS Article 145 to ensure effective the protection of the marine environment from harmful effects. The effects of DSM on biodiversity must be sufficiently researched, risks must be understood and technology must show that the environment would not be significantly harmed in line with precautionary principle.
  • We must ensure that before DSM takes place, the appropriate rules are in place in line with precaution, ecosystem and best available science.
  • Regulations must be in place before DSM takes place and must be consistent with UNCLOS. No DSM must happen if the regulations are not in place.

October/November 2022

10/11/22

  • Stressed the need to ensure transparency in the processes related to the environmental management of the common heritage of humankind. 
  • Called for the NORI EMMP to be disclosed to all stakeholders as soon as possible. 
  • Fully supported The Netherlands’ proposal for contractors that have ignored calls by the Council to be named

4/11/22

  • The delegation stated that like many other delegations, we feel it is necessary to conclude these regulations before any exploitation. We need effective compensation, protection of biodiversity and marine environment etc. Technology has to be shown now to demonstrate that it will not hurt the marine environment.

July/August 2022

1/8/22

  • The delegation stated that future generations’ wellbeing is linked to wellbeing of oceans.

21/7/22

  • The delegation stated that their key priority “is that any framework protects the marine environment. We consider all aspects of mining need to be assessed and evaluated – including processing on ships.”

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