Is the Deep Sea Becoming the 'Wild West'?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
At the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns that the deep sea must not become a lawless frontier. He emphasizes the necessity for scientific guidance and international law in seabed exploitation. French President Emmanuel Macron also highlights the importance of a moratorium on deep-sea mining, advocating for careful exploration before exploitation.
Key Takeaways
- UN Secretary-General calls for scientific guidance in seabed exploitation.
- Deep sea should not become a lawless frontier.
- Conference aims to implement Sustainable Development Goals.
- Moratorium on deep-sea mining is advocated by French President.
- International cooperation is essential for sustainable ocean management.
Nice (France), June 9 (NationPress) The exploitation of seabeds must adhere to scientific principles and international regulations, avoiding the emergence of a lawless "Wild West," emphasized United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday during the commencement of the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, located in southeastern France.
Guterres articulated the need for a harmonious balance between valid concerns regarding environmental impacts and the genuine interests in tapping into resources to foster a sustainable ocean-driven economy and facilitate the shift towards green energy. He underscored that future initiatives should be "rooted in science, guided by caution, and aligned with the rights and responsibilities outlined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea."
He expressed his support for the ongoing efforts of the International Seabed Authority regarding this critical matter, cautioning that the deep sea must not devolve into a lawless frontier.
The UNOC3 conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, aims to propel the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14), which focuses on conserving and sustainably utilizing oceans, seas, and marine resources, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
During the opening session, French President Emmanuel Macron echoed Guterres' sentiments, voicing his opposition to deep-sea exploitation. He pointed out that a significant portion of the seabed remains largely uncharted. "It is madness to exploit the deep sea before exploration has even begun... A moratorium on deep-seabed exploitation is an international necessity," Macron stated.
He added, "The deep sea is not for sale, just as Greenland is not for acquisition, nor is Antarctica or the high seas."
In April, US President Donald Trump had signed an executive order permitting deep-sea mining, a unilateral decision that faced backlash from the International Seabed Authority.
Point of View
I believe that the warnings from both UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and French President Emmanuel Macron highlight a crucial moment in our approach to ocean resource management. It is imperative that we prioritize scientific research and international cooperation to safeguard our marine environments while responsibly exploring their potential.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did UN Secretary-General Guterres say about seabed exploitation?
He emphasized the need for adherence to science and international law, cautioning against the deep sea becoming a lawless 'Wild West.'
What is the main goal of the UN Ocean Conference?
The conference aims to advance the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14, focusing on conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources.
What is French President Macron's stance on deep-sea mining?
Macron opposes deep-sea exploitation, arguing that much of the seabed is unexplored and a moratorium on extraction is necessary.
What recent action did US President Trump take regarding deep-sea mining?
Trump signed an executive order authorizing deep-sea mining, which faced criticism from the International Seabed Authority.
What are the potential risks of deep-sea exploitation?
Exploitation without adequate exploration could lead to significant environmental damage and loss of marine biodiversity.
