Environmental protection of the International Seabed Area as a common heritage of humankind

Abstract

The International Seabed Area constitutes a protected space designated as “Common Heritage”, with its governance dedicated to achieving the common benefit of humanity. However, what criteria give substance to this purpose? Currently, deep-sea mining is experiencing a genuine boom and emerges as an activity that may contribute to overcoming the social, economic, and material crisis we are facing globally. In contrast, this activity signals significant environmental risks and threatens areas of high ecological value. This paper addresses the implications of the status of Common Heritage of Mankind established for the International Seabed Area, delving into the true purposes and criteria that shaped its existence and determining the imprint the general obligation of environmental protection has on its governance. This is done to outline the concerns prevailing in decision-making processes and draw conclusions about the coherence of the system with the specific mandate of benefiting humanity.