Article**: Oceans and Wetlands.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) Partnership** is a multi-donor trust established by the 27th session of the ISA Assembly on 3 August 2022 to promote and encourage marine scientific research in the Area and to contribute to dedicated capacity development programmes and activities in line with the priority needs identified by developing country Member States of the ISA. Following review by the Finance Committee, the Partnership** replaces the Contribution to Marine Scientific Research in the Area**.
[ISA Partnership Objectives].
promoting marine scientific research in the Area for the benefit of humankind;
Provide opportunities for qualified scientists and technicians from developing countries to participate in international marine scientific research programmes;
Funding for the design, development and implementation of development programmes and activities that meet the priority needs identified by developing country Member States of the ISA;
Contribute to the implementation of the Plan of Action for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development;
Strengthen ISA's contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
[Activities Eligible for Funding].
The development and implementation of marine scientific research programmes in the Area in support of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, in line with the strategic research priorities set out in the Plan of Action of the International Seabed Authority, will also benefit qualified scientists, technicians and relevant national and regional institutions from developing countries and regions.
Development and implementation of training programmes in accordance with the decision of the ISA Conference on the methodology for the implementation of capacity development planning, in particular in response to the priority needs for capacity development identified by developing country Member States.
Develop and implement technical assistance programmes and activities to strengthen the implementation of the Strategic Plan of the International Seabed Authority 2019-2023, the High-Level Action Plan, the Plan of Action for Marine Scientific Research and the Capacity Development Plan.
Establish multi-level partnerships with interested Member States, contractors, relevant marine industry sectors, the United Nations and its programmes and programmes, relevant subregional, regional and international organizations, the scientific community and relevant social organizations in the conduct of marine scientific research programmes in the Area, and disseminate and share the results with them.
The ISA Partnership** may fund eligible expenditures for ISA implementation activities, such as staff costs, contractual services, equipment and office space rental costs,** seminars, conferences, and travel expenses. All activities funded by the ISA must comply with the applicable policies and procedures of the International Seabed Authority.
[Framework for external stakeholders to apply for ISA partnerships**].
At the second meeting of the ISA Partnership** Council, held at the end of January 2024, the Council adopted a framework for external stakeholders to apply to the ISA Partnership**. The framework is designed to regulate ISA stakeholders' participation in the Council's open call for proposals. According to the specific theme of the solicitation activity, there are corresponding application eligibility criteria and application procedures.
[ISA Partnership Committee Council].
The ISA Partnership** Council provides strategic guidance and direction for the implementation of Partnership** activities and approves strategic priorities. It is composed of two representatives of the Secretariat, the Chairmen of the Finance Committee and the Legal and Technical Commission, as well as eight representatives of Member States, including the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States. Donors who donate to other trusts** administered by ISA may also be invited to participate in the discussions.
[Donate to].
Any State, contractor, international organization, academic and scientific institution, private company, charitable entity or individual may make a contribution. Since 2022, donations have been received from France ($122,124), Greece ($52,520), China ($20,000) and Mexico ($10,000).
[**Management].
The Secretariat is responsible for providing indicative budget information, accounting and financial reporting, awarding grants to grantees, and overseeing activities funded under any grant agreements on the Partnership***. The Secretariat is responsible for overseeing any activities funded by a grant agreement.
Finishing: SARA Review: Linda