Marine mineral resources to benefit all including landlocked states

Abstract

Seabed mining experts from all over the world convened from 2 to 4 May 2017 in the capital of the landlocked state of Uganda to discuss opportunities and explore the potentials of marine mineral resources in contributing to the regional and global development goals. In his opening remarks, Michael Lodge, Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority, said, “This workshop on the marine mineral resources of Africa’s continental shelf and adjacent international seabed area is unique, and it is also the first time that we are discussing marine mineral resources in a landlocked country. This is a clear example of what the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) calls for the marine resources belong to us all in a common heritage to mankind. And Least Developed Countries and landlocked states have access to these resources and benefits from them.”