Towards a standardised approach to Regional Environmental Management Plans in the Area

Abstract

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) aims to develop Regional Environmental Management Plans (REMPs) in marine regions where there is an interest in deep-sea mining. The REMPs will be a sectoral management tool and offer the opportunity to implement an ecosystem-based management approach. The presented study aims to contribute to this discussion by recommending a standardised approach for the development and implementation of REMPs by ISAs, which includes the institutional framework, procedural measures and required content in line with the best practice ecosystem approach to management.