The National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), in collaboration with the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), organized a high-profile international seminar titled “Deep-Sea Mining: Prospects & The Global Conservation Imperatives”. Held in Islamabad, the event attracted over 200 participants including policymakers, marine scientists, environmentalists, industry leaders, and students, signaling a growing global interest in sustainable exploitation of ocean resources.
Vice Admiral (R) Ahmed Saeed, President of NIMA, inaugurated the seminar by underscoring the ocean’s dual role as both a critical natural resource and a shared human legacy. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach that safeguards marine ecosystems while exploring economic opportunities in deep-sea mining.
Dr. Diva Amon, a renowned National Geographic Explorer and biologist at the University of California, delivered a compelling caution about the irreversible environmental damage deep-sea mining could cause. She highlighted threats to undiscovered marine species and carbon-rich ecosystems, calling for a precautionary, science-led approach.
In his keynote address, Senator Mushahid Hussain explored the geopolitical ramifications of deep-sea mining, particularly within the strategic context of the Indian Ocean. He advocated for Pakistan to assert its maritime interests while supporting equitable and ecologically responsible global governance mechanisms.
Ambassador Per Albert of Norway emphasized the importance of utilizing low-impact technologies in deep-sea resource extraction. Citing Norway’s efforts in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Continental Shelf, he stressed that economic development must not come at the cost of environmental integrity.
Panel discussions featured insights from a range of Pakistani experts including Dr. Fasiha Safdar (NIMA), Mahmood Akhtar Cheema (IUCN), Eng. Naimat Ullah Sohoo (NIO), Dr. Nawaz Ahmed Virk (Ministry of Environment), Mr. Jahanzeb Sikandar (YouCan LLC), Ms. Amna Munawar Awan (Pakistan Business Forum), and Ms. Shagufta Iqbal (Ministry of Maritime Affairs). They collectively outlined Pakistan’s position and potential in deep-sea mining, with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices.
Adding global perspectives were international experts such as Shigeru Tanaka (Deep-Sea Conservation Coalition, USA), Sérgio Carvalho (Oceano Azul Foundation, Portugal), Julian Jackson (Pew Charitable Trusts, USA), and François Mosnier (Planet Tracker, UK). Their contributions reflected the global urgency in balancing mineral resource extraction with marine biodiversity protection.
Chief Guest Dr. Sajjad Ahmad, Director General of the Geological Survey of Pakistan, noted the potential within Pakistan’s EEZ and called for collaborative, environmentally conscious exploration initiatives.
A clear consensus emerged from the seminar: international cooperation is indispensable for effective governance of deep-sea mining. No single nation, regardless of capacity, can navigate the environmental, legal, and political complexities of this issue alone. Multilateral dialogue and cross-sector collaboration are essential for shaping a sustainable future beneath the waves.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors at ISSI, concluded the event by applauding NIMA’s initiative in establishing a meaningful platform for multistakeholder dialogue, bridging national interests with global conservation goals.
