The role of the environmental impact assessment in the exploration and exploitation activities on the deep seabed

Abstract

Through new technologies and intensified research, humans have acquired knowledge of the marine areas as a holder of a high quantity of non-living resources. This thesis focuses on the legal regulation of EIAs in the context of the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources of the deep seabed. This deep seabed is beyond national jurisdiction and is referred to as “the Area” in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Exploration of deep seabed minerals in the Area has already begun. It is not yet known when commercial exploitation of deep seabed minerals in the Area will begin, but the development of an environmental management plan reflects the need to be proactive in order to promote environmentally responsible seabed mining. The primary objective of the thesis is to assess the rules for EIAs as applicable to deep seabed mining in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The rules that govern activities on the seabed outside national jurisdiction are analyzed in the context of other instruments, which makes it possible to assess the legal challenges in a comparative manner. The ideal aim in international law is that EIAs work as a tool for sustainable development. The thesis examines whether the international legal framework on EIAs is sufficient to meet this ideal aim.