Leticia Carvalho officially assumed the role of Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) on 1 January 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the organization’s history. Carvalho’s appointment, coinciding with the ISA’s thirtieth anniversary, ushers in a new era for ISA as it continues its mission to govern the seabed beyond national jurisdiction as the common heritage of humankind.
Carvalho’s election is groundbreaking: she is the first woman, the first Latin American and the first oceanographer to lead the ISA. She also takes the helm from former Secretary-General Michael Lodge whose tenure was marked by controversy as he was widely perceived to be an ardent advocate for deep sea mining, with a close relationship with the The Metals Company and a marked disinterest in environmental concerns.
The role of the ISA is to “Provide for the equitable sharing of financial and other economic benefits derived from activities in (international waters) through appropriate mechanism, on a non-discriminatory basis. And to adopt rules, regulations and procedures that ensure effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects which may arise from such activities.” The agency has potentially conflicting mandates to protect the waters beyond countries’ boundaries for all mankind and simultaneously ensure that, if resources are extracted from it, the distribution is equitable.
Carvalho emphasized the ISA’s pivotal role in managing the deep seabed beyond national jurisdiction, which spans over 54% of the planet’s surface. She invoked the vision of Arvid Pardo, who famously described the deep ocean as “the womb of life,” to highlight the ISA’s profound responsibility to manage seabed mineral resources responsibly while protecting its fragile environment.
“The deep seabed is one of Earth’s least explored frontiers, yet its ecosystems are vital to the health of our ocean and the planet,” Carvalho noted. “Our mandate is both a privilege and a responsibility—to act in the interest of all humankind and future generations.”
Carvalho brings decades of expertise in science-based decision-making, multilateral negotiations and regulatory leadership. She previously led the United Nations Environment Programme Marine and Freshwater Branch. She held senior positions in the Ministry of the Environment of Brazil, where she championed ecosystem-based management and marine resource policies.
“This is a new era for the ISA—one defined by collaboration, effectiveness, equity, inclusiveness, transparency, accountability and sustainability,” Carvalho said. “I am committed to serving with neutrality and look forward to working closely with Member States and stakeholders to build on the esteemed legacy of this institution, ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for the deep seabed.”
Carvalho reaffirmed her commitment to four core objectives central to ISA’s work:
- Sustainable resource management: ensuring seabed activities are organized and overseen responsibly for the benefit of all
- Environmental protection: safeguarding the delicate ecosystems of the deep ocean
- Scientific advancement: promoting marine scientific research and ensuring the dissemination of knowledge
- Equitable benefit-sharing: guaranteeing the fair distribution of benefits derived from seabed resources.
“These objectives are not just pillars of our work; they are commitments to ensure that the seabed is managed sustainably, responsibly and equitably based on a fair mechanism of benefit-sharing and in alignment with the highest standards of scientific and environmental excellence, ensuring the seabed’s potential is realized without compromising its vital ecosystems.”
Carvalho highlighted the ISA’s ongoing efforts to establish a balanced regulatory framework for seabed mineral resource exploitation, as mandated by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement. While acknowledging the progress made, she stressed the need to address gaps in the draft Mining Code and advance scientific understanding to create a robust, sustainable and science-based regulatory regime that upholds the highest environmental and ethical standards.
As the ISA enters its thirtieth year, Carvalho emphasized the importance of adapting to global challenges and aligning with emerging governance frameworks. She specifically referenced the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, which intersect with the ISA’s work and set ambitious goals for biodiversity protection and sustainable resource use.
“New global goals demand that we act with agility and inclusive, forward-thinking leadership”, Carvalho said. “The ISA must work in harmony with new frameworks to ensure our continued relevance in global ocean governance while staying firmly anchored to our mandate under the UNCLOS.”
Carvalho also prioritized strengthening the ISA’s operational capacity, enhancing transparency and fostering synergies with international partners. She reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that the ISA’s mechanisms remain robust, proactive and responsive to evolving global needs.
Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, Carvalho called for open dialogue with indigenous peoples, industry leaders, ISA contractors, local communities, Member States, NGOs, policymakers, scientists, and youth.
“Collaboration is key to our success,” she stated. “We must listen to diverse voices to ensure the ISA remains a model of transparency, multilateral cooperation and science-driven governance.”
While recognizing the significant challenges posed by the largely unexplored deep seabed, Carvalho stressed the necessity of scientific discovery to guide sustainable decision-making. “As we progress, we must confront tough questions about how to extract value from the deep seabed without compromising its ecological balance,” she said. “We must learn from past mistakes that have depleted ecosystems and disadvantaged communities. How can we chart a true course to best regulatory practices that ensure standards, thresholds, guidelines and equitable benefit-sharing? And how can we access, undertake and leverage the best possible science in service of the ISA’s work?”
In her first 100 days, Carvalho committed to engaging deeply with Member States and stakeholders to build consensus on the ISA’s priorities and chart a clear path forward.
Carvalho invited all stakeholders to unite in the ISA’s mission. “The ISA’s thirtieth anniversary reminds us of its remarkable legacy and the foundational principles that guide its historic mandate,” she said. “Together, we can ensure the deep seabed remains a legacy of opportunity, equity and sustainability for current and future generations.”
