SPC-EU Deep Sea Minerals (DSM) Project Inaugural Regional Workshop Hannah Lily Legal Advisor – DSM Project 6 June 2011, Nadi.

SPC-EU Deep Sea Minerals (DSM) Project

Inaugural Regional Workshop

Hannah LilyLegal Advisor – DSM Project

6 June 2011, Nadi

ContextPacific region leading the way in DSM

explorationPotential for increased investment and incomeThreat to ecological equilibriumObligation to preserve natural heritage for the

benefit of present and future generationsInternational law obligations require adoption

of appropriate administrative measuresNational DSM law and policy lacking

Why a regional approach to law and policy?Ocean: interconnected, interdependent, transboundaryStates’ share characteristics and interests2009 SOPAC Governing Council Members’ DecisionCo-ordinated comprehensive approachResources, facilities and knowhow can be sharedDSM Projects may be cross-border multi-

jurisdictional Stable, clear and consistent regional framework will

encourage development and investment

UNCLOSUN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982Established Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) States given sovereign right to exploit, develop,

and manage natural resources within its own EEZObligation to safeguard marine environment

under their jurisdiction from damage or pollutionProtection of scientific researchStates liable for damage caused by UNCLOS

violationNational rules must be adopted

Other legal instruments (1)Regional Conventions / Agreements:

Noumea Convention Regional and collaborative approach EIA and public consultation

Madang Guidelines Sovereignty and self-determination.

Pacific Islands Regional Policy (PIROP) Proactivity Integrated approach. Engagement of local communities.

Other legal instruments (2)Other international law / agreements:

London and MARPOL Conventions 1992 Rio Declaration (precautionary approach)

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)Manado DeclarationClimate Change Convention (UNFCCC)

Other legal instruments (3)National law:

EconomicEnvironmentalMarineMineralOther regulationInformationLaw enforcementHealth and safetyLabour laws

Other useful sourcesInternational Seabed Authority

Regulations and Model ContractsInternational Tribunal for the Law of the Sea

Obligations of due diligence and best environmental practice

Precautionary approachStandards same for developing and developed

statesIndustryOther States

DSM Project: RLRF processIndividual State’s constitution and legislative

processesStakeholder interestProcess Overview:

Identify existing legislation policy and gapsTerms of Reference to guide development of RLRFDevelopment of RLRFDissemination of RLRF with implementation

guidelines Tailored support to individual countries

DSM Project:RFRL development methodExpert steering groupEstablishment of sub-group(s) where necessaryRegional and sub-regional workshopsCountry visitsRegular Project updates and ongoing consultationNational stakeholder workshops, and committeesDraft national legislation / polices, and consultEnact, implement, monitor, reviewFeedback mechanisms (all stakeholders)

Aspects of the RFRLIncorporate international standardsPre-empt harm – due diligence – registration /

licensingRecognise different stages of DSMResponsible bodies and lines of authorityFiscal regimeEnvironmental managementMonitoring and enforcementPublic accountability and information-sharingPractical considerationsMethods of challenge, dispute resolutionModel documents / templates?

Thinking pointsRegulation – how to balance:

enablement and enforcement; andincentivising third party investment while

protecting State interests

How to legislate to set a fiscal regime, or pre-empt negative environmental impact, when so much is unknown?