Can Nations Agree How to Mine the Sea? This Is the Year, She Says.

The article discusses the challenge of establishing global regulations for deep-sea mining, a task overseen by Leticia Carvalho, who heads the International Seabed Authority (ISA). The ISA has been working for over a decade to develop a framework, but this process has been complicated by President Trump's aggressive push on ocean mining. Carvalho emphasizes the importance of reaching an agreement in 2020, as the existing exploration contracts are set to expire. The ISA is under pressure to finalize the regulations, balancing the interests of various stakeholders, including mining companies, environmental groups, and developing nations. The article highlights the complexities involved, such as determining the appropriate level of environmental protection, benefit-sharing arrangements, and the rights of different countries. Carvalho acknowledges the challenges but expresses optimism about the possibility of reaching a consensus this year, given the growing urgency and the commitment of the ISA members.