ISA and IORA sign MoU to expand collaboration in marine scientific research and deep-seabed exploration in support of the blue economy of the Indian Ocean region
Following the approval by the Council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in December 2022 (ISBA/26/C/13/Add.1), the Secretary-General of ISA and the Secretary-General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 17 March 2022 to foster their collaboration in areas of common interest.
Of particular importance for both organizations is to ensure that their Member States can engage more actively in marine scientific research programmes and initiatives carried out in the international seabed area (the Area) and benefit fully from the sustainable development of deep-seabed minerals, two key elements identified for the development of the blue economy of the region. The MoU foresees joint activities in the fields of capacity-building related to marine scientific research, seabed exploration, development of legal frameworks and policy formulation, environmental management planning, and joint activities for increased information and data sharing.
“I am confident that this MoU is the beginning of a strong cooperation between ISA and IORA for the benefit of their Member States,” said ISA Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, during the virtual signing ceremony of the MoU held on 17 March 2022.
“A lot of activities are currently taking place in the Indian Ocean, and ISA is committed to supporting that work and IORA Members States, especially in the field of capacity development,” he added.
“It is a pride and privilege for IORA and its Members to sign this MoU,” said IORA Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Salman Al Farisi, during the ceremony. “The blue economy is at the heart of IORA Member States’ interest. Through this cooperation, we hope to develop joint capacity-building programmes to support a ‘blue recovery’ in the Indian Ocean region.”
IORA is an inter-governmental organization established in 1997 to promote the sustained growth and balanced development of the Indian Ocean region and its 23 Member States and create common ground for regional economic cooperation. IORA has its headquarters in Ebene, Mauritius. Members of IORA are Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Source & Photo : ISA
