Science Must Stay Independent of Deep-Sea Mining Interests

Quick Summary

• The deep-sea ecosystems require decades of scientific research to be fully understood.
• In 2021, the “2-year rule” was activated, pressuring the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to create and adopt a mining code for international waters.
• Concerns have been raised that negotiations around mining in international waters are being influenced by commercial interests and imposed timelines.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The activation of the “2-year rule” by the ISA highlights growing global interest and urgency in regulating deep-sea mining. While India has engaged in seabed exploration, this development may present challenges surrounding environmental concerns versus resource extraction ambitions. India’s stance could benefit from supporting long-term scientific studies of ocean ecosystems to balance sustainable practices with economic gain. Moreover, ensuring transparent governance in international water negotiations will be crucial as India contributes to global discussions on marine biodiversity protection and resource sharing.

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