Deep Sea Minerals - Vol 3 - Cobalt-rich Ferromanganese Crusts

3.1

Environmental management objectives

A key issue at the outset, before any exploration or extraction occurs, is clearly defining the environmental objectives that will guide the management of any mining operation. These will vary regionally and nationally, but they are typically directed at two broad goals: • to maintain overall biodiversity and ecosystem health and function (as mandated by international law); and • to reduce, mitigate, and, where possible, prevent the im- pacts of mining and pollution that can affect wider habitats and ecosystems. A further consideration is the integration of environmental man- agement strategies with other efforts and agreements related to the conservation and sustainable use of the marine environ- ment. This includes national and regional initiatives, as well as global frameworks, such as the Convention on Biological Diver- sity’s process to identify ecologically or biologically significant areas, and the UN General Assembly Resolutions to protect vul- nerable marine ecosystems.

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