GENEVA - Norway's decision to halt the issuance of any deep-sea mining licences until at least the end of 2029 and to withhold all public funds for such activities - a move endorsed by the Parliament - marks a major advance for ocean protection, environmental integrity, cultural identity and human rights, UN experts* said today.
"The deep sea is one of the least explored and most fragile ecosystems on Earth, hosting unique biodiversity and it is also the world's largest carbon sink and fundamental for the planet's balance. Many Indigenous Peoples and coastal communities depend on the ocean, for food, economically, medicine and culture, as well as for cultural heritage, traditions and the exercise of cultural rights" the experts said.
"While temporary, we celebrate this decision as preserving deep-sea integrity is essential for biodiversity and climate stability, and for the enjoyment of all human rights, including the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and cultural rights" they said.
The Government of Norway had previously planned to issue deep sea mineral licencing in 2026.
The experts warned that mining operations could disturb the seabed, release stored carbon and disrupt the ocean's natural sequestration and buffering functions. Deep-sea mining is highly energy-intensive and would increase greenhouse gas emissions to an already destabilised climate system.
"Norway's decision aligns with the precautionary principle, and with the State's obligation under international law to protect the environment and the climate system, as concluded recently by the ICJ and ITLOS advisory opinions," the experts said.
"A precautionary pause, is necessary as today science is clear regarding the significant and irreversible harm that these kinds of activities might cause and the uncertainty to prevent them, including harm to cultural practices, traditional knowledge systems tied to marine ecosystems and the ability of communities to participate in cultural life and transmit their heritage to future generations."
The experts said that Norway's decision reinforces an emerging consensus on the necessity to pause deep-sea mining, already supported by 40 states - a reflection of global recognition that the risks to the ocean, climate stability and human rights are too great to proceed without clear scientific certainty and robust governance safeguards.
"As pressures on deep-sea extraction rise, States must ensure that decisions are guided not by short-term resource interests but by their binding obligations to protect the marine environment, prevent harm and uphold human rights," the experts said. "This includes the rights of coastal communities and Indigenous Peoples whose livelihoods, cultural heritage and identity depend on a healthy ocean, and protecting everyone's human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment."
