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Highlights and images for 5 September 2017
4th International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC4)
The first full day of the fourth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC4) convened in La Serena, Chile on Tuesday, 5 September 2017. Convened around the theme, ‘Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Global Change,’ the day saw many events taking place with a plenary session in the morning, and a number of symposia, workshops, oral presentations, knowledge cafés and poster presentations taking place throughout the day.
The morning’s plenary session saw a panel discussion on the day’s theme, with participants highlighting the challenges the world’s oceans face and the roles MPAs can play in addressing these challenges. Key points included: MPAs provide “safe havens” for threatened and vulnerable marine species; multi-tiered approaches to managing MPAs can provide robust results; and, that stories and imagery can inspire action and change for ocean conservation.
Highlights from the symposia included discussions on: MPAs and climate change; the role and future of ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs); taking fisheries management and MPAs to scale; coastal reserves networks; multiple use MPAs as an opportunity to ally conservation, sustainable fisheries and community development in low governance environments; and, achieving Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 in marine and coastal areas.
Workshop highlights included an exercise on methodologies to choose MPA IUCN categories based on ecosystem services, and discussions on steps towards a transatlantic partnership of MPAs. Other workshops that took place included the role of MPAs as natural solutions, and incorporating coral ecological services and functions valuation into compensatory mitigation for reef damage.
Photos by IISD/ENB | Ángeles Estrada Vigil
Opening plenary session
(L-R): Carl Gustaf Lundin, IUCN, Patricia Majluf, Oceana, Peru, Alan Friedlander, University of Hawaii, Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue, and Alexander Tudhope, University of Edinburgh
Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue
Alexander Tudhope, University of Edinburgh
Participants during the opening plenary session
Carl Gustaf Lundin, IUCN
Alan Friedlander, University of Hawaii
Next steps for EBSAs
(L-R): Kristina Gjerde, US, Daniel Dunn, Duke University, Beth Pike, Marine Conservation Institute, Tammy Davies, Birdlife International, Mauricio Gálvez, Instituto de Fomento Pesquero (IFOP), and David Johnson, Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative (GOBI)
David Johnson, GOBI
Mauricio Gálvez, IFOP
Beth Pike, Marine Conservation Institute
Tammy Davies, Birdlife International
Kristina Gjerde, US
Daniel Dunn, Duke University
MPA acting on climate change
Gabrielle L. Johnson, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Anne Nelson, NOAA
María del Mar Otero, IUCN
Jean-Jacques Goussard, Environment and Development Network
MPAs in Chilean oceanic islands
Martin Thiel, Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN)
Beatriz Yannicelli, UCN
Carlos Gaymer, UCN
Dais during the session
How to protect? A method to choose MPA IUCN Categories based on ecosystem-services
Apoena Calixto Figueirôa, Federal University of Santa Catarina
The IUCN categories of PAs
Participants during the workshop
Participants during the workshop
Towards a transatlantic partnership of MPAs
Puri Canals, Mediterranean Protected Areas Network
Alessandra Vanzella-Khouri, Caribbean Marine Protected Areas Management
Marie Suzanne Traore, African Regional Network of Marine Protected Areas (RAMPAO)
Taking fisheries management and MPAs to scale: Tools and case studies from around the world
Amy Hudson Weaver, Sociedad de Historia Natural Niparajá
Layla Osman, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)
Nicanor Requena, EDF
Mónica Alzamora, Naturaleza y Cultura Internacional Perú
(L-R): Nicanor Requena, EDF, Amy Hudson Weaver, Sociedad de Historia Natural Niparajá, Layla Osman, EDF, and Mónica Alzamora, Naturaleza y Cultura Internacional Perú
Coastal reserves network: "A public-private tool to promote governance, protection and promotion of sites of high ecological and cultural interest"
Jorge Valenzuela, Centre for the Study and Conservation of Natural Heritage (CECPAN)
Nelson Cárcamo, Municipality of Castro
(L-R): Christian Cardenas, Municipality of Quellón, Nelson Cárcamo, Municipality of Castro, Maria Elisa Puig, Ministry of National Assets, Chile, and Claudio Castro, Ministry of Environment, Chile
Essential ecosystems: Protections against climate change
(L-R): Mbolatiana Andramiarinosy, Madagascar, Ismak Ado Beassou, Maire de Sainte-Marie, Madagascar, Adele de Toma Cadinouche, Indian Ocean Commission, Janique Etienne, French Facility for Global Environment, Sylvain Faugeron, UCA, and Francis Staub, International Coral Reef Initiative
Adele de Toma Cadinouche, Indian Ocean Commission
Ismak Ado Beassou, Maire de Sainte-Marie, Madagascar
Mbolatiana Andramiarinosy, Madagascar
Sylvain Faugeron, Pontifica Universidad Catolica de Chile
Multiple use MPAs as opportunities to ally conservation, sustainable fisheries and community development in low governance environments
Claudio Maretti, Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation
Guilherme Dutra, Conservation International Brazil
Anna Carolina Lobo, WWF-Brazil
Luis Henrique de Lima, Rare Brazil
Sharing experiences on achieving Target 11 in marine and coastal areas, including the contribution of other area-based conservation measures
Brian Mac Sharry, UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC)
David Johnson, GOBI
Daniel Dunn, Duke University, Joseph Appiott, CBD Secretariat, and Brian Mac Sharry, UNEP-WCMC
Around the Venue
Highlights and images for 6 September 2017
4th International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC4)
The second day of the fourth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC4) convened in La Serena, Chile, on Wednesday, 6 September 2017 on the theme, ‘Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Coastal Communities.’ The day included a plenary session in the morning, and a number of symposia, workshops, oral presentations, and poster presentations taking place throughout the day. Speed talks and knowledge cafés occurred in the afternoon and evening.
The morning’s plenary session saw a panel discussion on the day’s theme, with participants underscoring the importance of community involvement in all aspects of MPA proclamation and management. Key highlights included underscoring the importance of recognizing heritage and culture when proclaiming and managing MPAs. Participants also stressed: development of marine reserves can be both a responsibility and a right as local communities are stewards of the land; MPAs can ensure the sustainability of artisanal fisher livelihoods; workshops with local communities to design and implement fish restoration zones have had positive results; and, using ancestral knowledge combined with modern technology and science can encourage progress and advancement of MPAs.
Highlights from the symposia included discussions on: civil society networking for marine conservation in the Southern Cone; MPAs and food security; and, protecting vulnerable marine ecosystems in the high seas from bottom fishing impacts.
Workshop highlights included discussions on citizen science for MPAs, and indigenous communities and MPAs. Some workshops also undertook exercises on issues including: enhancing South-South cooperation towards global MPA targets in South America and the Caribbean; methodologies, experiences and vision to improve the educational managed marine area tool box; and, improving the performance of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas through the IUCN Green List.
Photos by IISD/ENB | Ángeles Estrada Vigil
Opening plenary session
Kalani Quiocho, NOAA
Poki Tane Haoa, Government of Rapa Nui, Chile
John Armor, NOAA
Participants during plenary
(L-R): Poki Tane Haoa, Government of Rapa Nui, Chile, Kalani Quiocho, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Felipe Paredes, Juan Fernández Archipelago, Chile, and Gustavo Cabrera, Fundacion Cuerpos de Conservacion Omoa (CCO), Omoa, Honduras
Gustavo Cabrera, CCO, Omoa, Honduras
Felipe Paredes, Juan Fernández Archipelago, Chile
Citizen science for MPAs
Steffan Howe, Parks Victoria
Mark Rodrigue, Parks Victoria, Australia
Protecting Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) in the high seas from bottom fishing impacts
Mauricio Gálvez, Instituto de Fomento Pesquero (IFOP)
Michel Kaiser, IUCN Fisheries Expert Group (IUCN-FEG)
Jessica Sanders, Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO)
Serge Garcia, IUCN-FEG
Participant interventions
Tony Thompson, FAO
(L-R): Michel Kaiser, IUCN-FEG, Joseph Appiott, CBD, Mauricio Gálvez, IFOP, Jessica Sanders, FAO, and Tony Thompson, FAO
Sharing our methodologies, experiences and vision to improve the educational managed marine area tool box
Roland Sanquer, Department of Education, French Polynesia
François Morisseau, French Biodiversity Agency
Participants during the workshop
Towards a new international instrument to regulate the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond the jurisdiction of states (BBNJ)
(L-R): Cristóbal Hernández Castillo, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chile, Carlos Duarte, Brazilian Ambassador to Chile and BBNJ PrepCom Chair, Liz Karan, Pew Charitable Trusts, Kristina Gjerde, Policy Advisor to the High Seas Alliance, and Cristian Laborda Mora, IUCN
Kristina Gjerde, Policy Advisor to the High Seas Alliance
Carlos Duarte, Brazilian Ambassador to Chile and BBNJ PrepCom Chair
Enhancing South-South cooperation towards global MPA targets in South America and the Caribbean
Lauren Weatherdon, UNEP-World Conservation and Monitoring Center (WCMC)
Joseph Appiott, CBD
Ole Vestergaard, UN Environment
Participants during the workshop
Brian MacSharry, UNEP-WCMC
MPAs and food security
Serge Garcia, IUCN-FEG
Miguel Ávalos, National Confederation of Artisanal Fishermen of Chile (CONAPACH)
Angélica Méndez, Network of Fishermen, Guatemala
Stefan Gelcich, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
Civil society networking for marine conservation in the Southern Cone: lessons from collaborative working
Alejandra Figueroa Fernández, Ministry of the Environment, Chile
Emiliano Ezcurra, National Parks, Argentina
Joaquin Labougle, National Parks, Argentina
Maria José González, Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) Fund
Pamela Castillo, Asociación Costa Rica por Siempre
Alexandra Sapoznikow, MAR Fund
Improving the performance of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas through the IUCN Green List
James Hardcastle, IUCN Global Protected Areas Programme
Participants during the session
Thierry Lefebvre, IUCN France Committee on Côte Bleue Marine Park
Sandra Valenzuela, WWF-Colombia
A view of the room during the session
Indigenous communities and MPAs: Opportunities and challenges for marine conservation
(L-R): Uri Avaka, Rapa Nui, Javier Ancapán, Mapu Lahual, Jaime Huanquil, Mapu Lahual, Pamela Zúñiga, Quinchao, Daniel Caniullán, Pu Wapi, Nelson Millatureo, Islas Huichas, and Carolina Huenucoy, Kawésqar
Lorena Arce, Indigenous Peoples’ and Community Conserved Areas and Territories (ICCA) Consortium
Uri Avaka, Rapa Nui
Jaime Huanquil, Mapu Lahual
Javier Ancapán, Mapu Lahual
Around the Venue
Highlights and images for 7 September 2017
4th International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC4)
The third day of the fourth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC4) met in La Serena, Chile, on Thursday, 7 September 2017. The day saw many events taking place, addressing the theme, ‘Effective/Successful Management.’ A plenary session took place in the morning, followed by a number of symposia and workshops throughout the day.
The morning’s plenary session saw a panel discussion on the day’s theme, with panel members discussing key issues around successful management of marine protected areas (MPAs), while also noting different management models. Key issues considered by the panel included: enforcement versus education for compliance with MPAs; addressing “intense public use” within MPAs; community engagement and bottom-up approaches to management; and, monitoring and evaluation. Panelists also highlighted the recent publication of the IUCN guidelines on MPA management, as well as management issues around large-scale MPAs.
Highlights from the symposia included discussions on: The role of MPAs in achieving ocean health and sustainable blue economies; building regional public-private alliances for sustainable financing of long-term conservation actions in the Eastern Tropical Pacific and the Caribbean Sea; the role of MPAs in achieving ocean health and sustainable blue economies; and, promoting innovative approaches to marine conservation and encouraging sustainable patterns of development by deploying a wide scope of actions.
Workshops addressed: harnessing citizen behaviour change to support marine conservation; MPAs and promoting small-scale enterprises that support on complementary marine conservation strategies; monitoring, evaluation and reporting for MPA management; and, solutions for MPA financing. Other topics included ocean noise, ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs), and sustainable financing.
Photos by IISD/ENB | Ángeles Estrada Vigil
Opening plenary session
John Tanzer, WWF
Alain Barcelo, Port-Cros National Park, France
Aulani Wilhelm, Conservation International
Luz Angarita, National Parks, Colombia
Solutions for MPA financing – success stories and their potential for broader application
Laure Katz, Conservation International
Patricia Ruiz, GIZ
Participants during a "fishbowl" discussion
Building regional public-private alliances for sustainable financing of long-term conservation actions in the Eastern Tropical Pacific and the Caribbean Sea
Sonia Castañeda Rial, Fundación Biodiversidad, Spain
María José González, Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) Fund
Participant during the discussion
(L-R): María José González, MAR Fund, Sonia Castañeda Rial, Fundación Biodiversidad, Spain, and Pamela Castillo, Asociación Costa Rica por Siempre
Using international law and media to improve management and protection of MPAs and ecosystems in the Americas
(L-R): Gladys Martínez, Asociación Interamericana para Defensa del Medio Ambiente (AIDA), Florencia Ortúzar, AIDA, Camilo Thompson, AIDA, Yendery Cerda, Comité Pro Defensa de la Fauna y Flora (CODEFF)
Camilo Thompson, AIDA
Yendery Cerda, CODEFF
The role of MPAs in achieving ocean health and sustainable blue economies
L-R: Miriam Fernández, Pontificia Universidad Catolica, Jean Harris, Wild Oceans, Laurence McCook, James Cook University, and Kristina Gjerde, IUCN
Participant in the audience posing a question on non-monetary values
Laurence McCook, James Cook University
Kristina Gjerde, IUCN
Monitoring, evaluation and reporting for MPA management: innovative ideas to progress current approaches
Steffan Howe, Parks Victoria, Australia
Kate West, Fauna & Flora International
Participants in a breakout group discussion
Marine wilderness or peopled seas? Insights from research on the human dimensions of large-scale marine protected areas
Jaime Aburto, Universidad Católica del Norte
Rebecca Gruby, Colorado State University
Jon Day, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Australia
MPAs and promoting small-scale enterprises that support on complementary marine conservation strategies
Glenn Ricci, University of Rhode Island
Presentation during the session
Marine biodiversity of Chilean Patagonia: discoveries, threats and conservation
Vreni Haussermann, Huinay Scientific Field Station
Claudio Campagna, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
Participants during the session
Carlos Molinet, Universidad Austral de Chile
Günter Försterra, Huinay Scientific Field Station
Harnessing citizen behaviour change to support marine conservation
Participants taking part in breakout groups
A global SMART approach to improving effectiveness of marine protected areas
Drew Cronin, Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) Partnership
Zafer Kizilkaya, Mediterranean Conservation Society
Highlights and images for 8 September 2017
4th International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC4)
The final day of the fourth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC4) opened in La Serena, Chile, on Friday, 8 September 2017. The day saw many events taking place, all addressing the theme, ‘Our Shared Vision.’ A plenary session took place in the morning, followed by the workshops and symposia. This was followed by a closing plenary session. The high-level meeting will take place on Saturday, 9 September 2017, in Valparaiso, Chile.
The morning’s plenary session saw a panel discussion on the day’s theme, with panel members discussing key actions needed to continue ensuring successful management of marine protected areas (MPAs) and the obstacles faced. Key issues considered included: equitable and effective achievement of the goals under the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); increased coordination within regions; engaging youth; illegal fishing; and, local capacity building.
Highlights from the symposia included discussions on: assessing advances towards achieving the Aichi Biodiversity Targets in 2020 and the SDGs in 2030; indigenous, provincial, and federal governments integrating marine spatial plans and MPAs in Canada; Antarctic MPAs; and, meeting the 2020 targets in Canada.
Workshops addressed: twinning and partnerships, as well as tools to enhance collaboration between MPAs; and, guidance for MPA managers and planners on marine mammal protection, and marine renewable energy suitability and siting.
The closing session followed, with participants hearing a wrap-up of the key messages that had emerged during the course of the week. There was a report back on the IMPAC4 activities that had taken place during the week, such as ‘Our Science Camp.’ A musical performance closed the plenary.
Photos by IISD/ENB | Ángeles Estrada Vigil
Closing Ceremony
Carl Gustaf Lundin, IUCN
Claudio Ibáñez González, Mayor of Coquimbo
Alejandra Figueroa Fernández, Ministry of Environment, Chile
François Simard, IUCN
Daniel González, Juan Fernández Fisherman Union
Carlos Gaymer, UCN, Chile
Participants during the closign ceremony
Children from "Our Ocean Science Camp"
Opening plenary session
Mike Wong, IUCN
Sandra Bessudo, Malpelo Foundation
Tukabu Teroroko, Phoenix Islands Protected Area
Mariasole Bianco, IUCN-World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) Young Professionals
Dan Laffoley, IUCN
Julia Miranda, WCPA (World Comission on Protected Areas)
Keobel Sakuma, Palau, receiving the Kenton Miller Award Winner 2017 for his outstanding contribution to marine conservation
Twinning and partnerships, tools to enhance collaboration between MPA
A view of the room
Mathieu Ducrocq, Gabon Parks Agency
Mike De Luca, Rutgers University
Assessing advances towards global 2020 & 2030 targets
Celia Favacho, CONFREM, Brazil
Claudio Maretti, ICMBio
Guidance for MPA managers and planners on marine mammal protection and marine renewable energy suitability and siting
Anne Nelson, Collaborative Ocean Planning
Francine Kershaw, Natural Resources Defense Council
Indigenous, Provincial, and Federal Governments integrating Marine Spatial Plans and MPAs in Canada
Gord McGee, Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance, Canada
Danielle Shaw, Wuikinuxv Nation
Christie Chute, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada
Allan Lidstone, Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Canada
(L-R): Meaghan Calcari Campbell, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Allan Lidstone, Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Canada, Christie Chute, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada, Gord McGee, Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance, Canada, and Danielle Shaw, Wuikinuxv Nation
Antarctic MPAs
Rodolfo Werner, Pew Charitable Trusts and Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition
Meeting the 2020 Targets in Canada: challenges, successes, opportunities and lessons learnt in developing a national network of MPAs over the past 25 years
Sigrid Keuhnemund, WWF-Canada
Kevin Stringer, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada
Participant during the session
Alexandra Barron, C-PAWS, Canada
Around the Venue
Highlights and images for 9 September 2017
4th International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC4)
The fourth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC4) high-level meeting took place in Valparaiso, Chile, on Saturday, 9 September 2017. Heads of State, ministers and other dignitaries gathered to discuss the outcomes of IMPAC4 and assess the way forward.
In the morning, participants heard keynote addresses from: H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, who said effective MPA management depends on specific criteria for protection; and, Michelle Bachelet, President of the Republic of Chile, who said joint and coordinated action is required to address the needs of our planet and the message is clear, “it is worth it, and it is possible.”
Participants also heard keynote speeches from: Heraldo Muñoz, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chile; Marcelo Mena, Minister of the Environment, Chile; Guido Girardi, Senator and Chairman of the Future Challenges Commission; and, Ségolène Royal, President, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP21 and French Ambassador to the Arctic and Antarctic Poles.
Panel discussions also took place on: the report on the main results and recommendations from IMPAC4; MPAs and ocean conservation as climate action; and, integrating local communities and other key stakeholders in the creation and effective management of MPAs.
The meeting finished with a Call for Action on MPAs, with a number of countries and organizations taking the floor to express their support, including: Argentina; Brazil; Uruguay; Gabon; Peru; France; United Kingdom; the UN Food and Agriculture Organization; UN Development Programme; and, the Transatlantic Partnership of Marine Protected Areas.
Following closing statements, the high-level meeting was closed at 6:41 PM
Photos by IISD/ENB | Ángeles Estrada Vigil
High Level Meeting Opening Ceremony
(L-R): Marcelo Mena, Minister of the Environment of Chile and Chair of IMPAC4, Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile, H.S.H. Albert II, Prince of Monaco, and Heraldo Muñoz, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile
H.S.H. Albert II, Prince of Monaco
Marcelo Mena, Minister of the Environment of Chile and Chair of IMPAC4, and Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile
H.S.H. Albert II, Prince of Monaco, and Heraldo Muñoz, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile
Heraldo Muñoz, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile
Ségolène Royal, UNFCCC COP21 President
Report on the main results and recommendations from IMPAC4
(L-R): Dan Laffoley, IUCN-World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), Maximiliano Bello, Pew Charitable Trusts, Nelson Zambrano, Undersecretary Coastal and Marine Management, Ecuador, Sally Barnes, Parks Australia, and Liesbeth Van der Meer, OCEANA-Chile
Liesbeth van der Meer, Vice-president, OCEANA-Chile
Sally Barnes, Director, Parks Australia
Maximiliano Bello, Pew Charitable Trusts
Nelson Zambrano, Undersecretary for Coastal and Marine Management, Ecuador
Dan Laffoley, IUCN-WCPA
Guido Girardi, Senator and Chairman, Future Challenges Commission
MPAs and Ocean Conservation as Climate Action
(L-R): Margaret Leinen, Director, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Enric Sala, National Geographic Society Explorer-in-Residence, Heremoana Maamaatuaiahutapu, Minister of Environment, French Polynesia, and Serge Segura, French Ambassador for the Oceans
Heremoana Maamaatuaiahutapu, Minister of Environment, French Polynesia
Margaret Leinen, Director, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Enric Sala, National Geographic Society Explorer-in-Residence
Serge Segura, French Ambassador for the Oceans
Integrating local communities and other key stakeholders in the creation and effective management of MPAs
(L-R): Carolina Hotu Hey, Provincial Governer, Easter Island, Chile, Elsa Galarza, Minister of Environment, Peru, François Gauthiez, French Agency for Biodiversity, and Eve Crowley, UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Elsa Galarza, Minister of Environment, Peru
Eve Crowley, FAO
François Gauthiez, French Agency for Biodiversity
Carolina Hotu Hey, Provincial Governer, Easter Island, Chile
IMPAC4 High Level Meeting Call for Action on Marine Protected Areas
Marcelo Mena, Minister of the Environment of Chile and Chair of IMPAC4
Ambassador Fiona Clouder, UK
Guillermo Escarlata, Uruguay
Dolores Diverges, Argentina
José Pedro de Oliveira Costa, Brazil
Kevin Stringer, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada
Ricardo Gutierrez, Mexico
Around the Venue
View from the venue
Summary report 5–9 September 2017
4th International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC4)
1st Part of the 24th Session of the International Seabed Authority
Even before arriving in Kingston, very few participants doubted that the draft regulations for deep-seabed mining would dominate discussions, given their role in unlocking the flow of monetary benefits into the ISA. Equally, quite a few Member States and stakeholders saw this meeting as an opportunity to ensure that the “regs” put in place the necessary environmental safeguards for a risky activity in the least known global ecosystem: the deep sea.