years (under FP7 and H2020) in a number of research projects, such as MIDAS and Blue
Nodules, to improve the understanding of the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining
activities and how to best mitigate these impacts, and, to develop environmentally
friendly technologies. The main findings of these projects show that current
understanding of ecosystem functioning, recoverability, connectivity and recruitment in
the deep sea is limited and that there is considerable uncertainty about the effects of
mining on these processes. Therefore, long-term studies are still needed to gauge the full
range of impacts of mining on benthic and deep ocean biodiversity and ecosystem
services and their potential for recovery. Consequently, as part of its EU Biodiversity
Strategy for 2030, the European Commission proposed that the EU advocate that marine
minerals in the international seabed area cannot be exploited before the effects of deep-
sea mining on the marine environment, biodiversity and human activities have been
sufficiently researched, the risks are understood and the technologies and operational
practices are able to demonstrate no serious harm to the environment, in line with the
precautionary principle.
We trust that these element
the protection of the marine environment and the sustainable use of its resources.
Yours sincerely,
Charlina VITCHEVA
c.c.:
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