Deep Sea Minerals - Vol 2 - Manganese Nodules

Management approaches can focus on a single sector (such as one geographical area or one human activity) or a single species, but there is increasing recognition of the importance of an Eco- system Approach to Management (EAM).

are an integral part of many ecosystems. The approach requires integration of information from a wide range of disciplines, across different levels of ecological and socio-economic organi- zation, and on a range of temporal and spatial scales.

Inherent in EAM is the application of ecological, economic, and social information, and the underlying acceptance that humans

A second important concept in the exploitation of any resource is the precautionary approach. One of the primary foundations

EIS provides the information that allows interested parties to de- velop an informed view on the merits of the project. The statutory function of the EIS process is to enable the appropriate regulatory authority to decide whether or not to approve the development and, if so, under what conditions. The EIS is assessed by the rel- evant government agencies and/or reviewed externally. A work- shop held by the International Seabed Authority in collaboration with SPC and the Fiji Government in Nadi Fiji in 2011 developed a draft template for an EIS (ISA, 2011).

chance to provide comments and raise concerns regarding the EIS and the development proposal.

5. EIS Review: The results of the assessment, along with the out- come of the Public Hearings, allow the relevant authorities to make a recommendation on the EIS. 6. Environment Permit: Following the EIS approval and submission of an Environment Permit Application, an Environment Permit is awarded if successful. Note that a common condition of the permit is for an Environmental Management Plan (including monitoring plans) to be approved prior to the commencement of operations.

4. Public Hearings: The public hearings process involves a se- ries of meetings that allow the public and local communities a

The road from exploration to exploitation

1

2

3

LEVEL

Exploration activities and scienti c research with drilling <2500 cumulative metres

Exploration activities with drilling >2500 cumulative metres

Mining activities

TYPE OF ACTIVITY

PERMITS and REQUIREMENTS

Environmental Impact Assesment

Environmental Impact Assesment

Environmental Impact Assesment

Environmental Impact Statement

Environmental Impact Statement Environmental Permit for Level 2

Environmental Permit for Level 3 Environmental Impact Statement

Environmental Permit

Required Not required

Figure 18 Permitting process.

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