Abstract:
With the increasingly mature technology and equipment for the development of mineral resources in the international seabed areas, the commercialization of deep-sea mining is constantly approaching reality. However, the marine environmental risks brought by mining force humanity to temporarily delay the commercialization of deep-sea mining. The exploitation regulation stipulate the application of precautionary principles in the international seabed areas activities to protect the marine environment, but the specific implementation path still needs to be explored. Analyze the environmental risks in the international seabed areas, summarize precautionary measures based on relevant legislation and practices in the field of environmental protection in the international seabed areas. Establishing risk thresholds through technological and economic factors; Coordinate international and domestic deep-sea mining legislation, establish precautionary principles and accountability mechanisms; Strengthening public participation and ensuring transparency in decision-making will contribute to the implementation of the precautionary principles, in line with the mission of the ISA to manage mineral resources in the international seabed areas.Incorporate the principle of risk prevention into China’s environmental protection legal system, safeguard China’s legitimate rights and interests in the international seabed areas.