The International Seabed Authority (ISA) will implement legal codes to regulate deep-seabed mineral exploration and exploitation, aiming to curb illegal unilateral actions, according to a senior official.
ISA oversees the management of the international seabed area and its resources. A key responsibility is to promote the sustainable use of deep-sea minerals and other resources while prioritizing the protection of the seabed's ecological environment.
In an exclusive interview with China Central Television (CCTV), Leticia Carvalho, Secretary-General of the ISA, introduced ongoing efforts to strengthen the organization’s framework for monitoring, intervening in, and sanctioning deep-sea mining activities that violate international law, marking a pivotal step toward transforming seabed regulation.
"First, let me make a very bold statement that the International Seabed Authority is very close to finalizing its framework. That's the one that should be universally agreed for exploration and exploitation, the so-called mining code," she said.
"I envisage that sanctions, breaks and permits, once issued, could be used as part of the tool kit of the International Seabed Authority in case of unlawful action. It's important also to say that it's envisaged that peer-to-peer actions and sanctions can also be done, and one state member of the International Seabed Authority that has followed the rules eventually might also take sanctions or measures against a non-state member that has decided to act unilaterally. So this is another layer of possibilities," she added.
Carvalho also urged member states to fulfill their obligations, which will empower the ISA to uphold the rule of law and govern the ocean effectively through the completion of legal codes for deep-sea mining within the year.
"So my message to June 8 and my hope is that member states will deliver their tasks, equipping the International Seabed Authority and the rule of the law and the governance of the ocean through the finalization of the mining code by this year. So then we will have all the pillars of the regime and governance of the oceans, of the ocean in place. And therefore the International Seabed Authority can act as stewardship, as the steward, as the custodian of the sea, deep seabed. And this is for the benefit of all humankind," she explained.
ISA advances legal framework to regulate deep-sea mining, preserve ocean governance
Referees at the first China Media Group (CMG) World Robot Mount Tai Climbing Competition have drawn up new rules to track the robot athletes as they climb the iconic peak in Tai'an City, east China's Shandong Province.
The competition will officially take place on Nov 2 when robot athletes will race along a challenging 3.9-kilometer course with some 3,100 steps on Mount Tai. The event provides a high-standard and real-world testing platform for the technological advancement and practical application of specialized mountain robots.
Before the main event, CMG held a qualifier on Monday, featuring four events -- legged robot racing, legged robot load-bearing, all-terrain scouting, and humanoid robot racing -- all starting from Hongmen Square at Mount Tai, with different landmarks on the mountain set as finish lines for different events.
The course consists mainly of continuous stone steps, slopes, and curves, putting the robots' perception and decision-making, balance control, and endurance to the test.
The qualifier produced an amusing scene: the referees couldn't keep up with the robots.
"Robots run on electricity, while we run on food. A robot can simply swap its battery and keep accelerating its pace, but our physical stamina has limits," said Su Qingwei, chief referee of the event's final.
Su said the organizing committee had initially planned to assign a referee to follow each robot during competition, but the plan proved unrealistic.
"We realized this was very challenging, so we've switched to a checkpoint-based format. We'll position referees at specific checkpoints to record the robots' performance," said Su.
To keep things running smoothly, Su suggested that when a robot approaches, a referee can step forward to meet it, then follow along for a short stretch.
Su said a referee will be placed at every turn, because as the distance shortens and the altitude rises, the terrain creates obstructions that block the referees' view.
Based on what they observed during the qualifier, there were very few rule violations along the course, which actually makes things easier for the referees.
According to Su, each referee will likely be responsible for a section of about 50 to 60 meters, though that is not yet final. In flat areas with good visibility, the distance could be a bit longer; but in areas like turns where the view is obstructed, that wouldn't work, so referees must be positioned where they remain within each other's line of sight.
Su said the change in officiating format would help ensure the competition's successful completion.
"Switching to a 'fixed-checkpoint' format represents a significant improvement for our refereeing operations. Compared to following robots along, it is less physically demanding, and because each referee is assigned to a specific, clearly defined location, their responsibilities are more explicit, which ultimately helps ensure the successful completion of the competition," Su said.
Referees at robot mountain climbing competition rethink rules to keep up with competitors
