Deep-sea mining involving extraction of mineral resources from the seabed at depths beyond 200 metres carries severe risks for delicate marine ecosystems. The deep ocean harbours unique and largely unknown biodiversity, and resource extraction could cause irreversible damage to habitats vital for global ecological balance. As the world pursues energy transition, it is crucial to balance immediate needs with long-term environmental costs. Notably, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council, at its meeting earlier this year in Kingston, Jamaica, reiterated that no mining activities would be permitted without proper regulations, leaving the adoption of a mining code unresolved. This meeting followed the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, where global leaders strongly cautioned against deep-sea mining and renewed calls for a moratorium.

The cover story of this edition of TerraGreen examines the highly debated issue of deep-sea mining, underscoring urgent environmental, financial, regulatory, and governance challenges. While interest in seabed minerals is rising, many governments, institutions, and experts advocate a suspension, warning of irreversible damage to fragile marine ecosystems. Failure to strike a delicate balance between the real need and the perceived desire to progress may actually appear a regressive agenda in the longer run and pose a civilizational crisis resulting into cascading impacts. The article details mining techniques and evidence of long-term ecological harm. Stressing the oceans’ vital role in climate regulation and sustaining life, the author calls for a stronger surveillance and a continued pause until the full risks are thoroughly understood and responsibly addressed.

The biggest challenge with deep-sea mining is governance. Most mineral deposits lie in international waters, regulated by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, the ISA faces a dual mandate—promoting resource extraction while protecting marine ecosystems—creating conflicts of interest. Its revenue depends on mining contracts, yet it must safeguard the environment. Ambiguities in contract rules further complicate true surveillance, which indicates that the ISA needs to undergo change, and form an independent scientific advisory body. Until then, a global moratorium is critical.

We believe you will find each article in this issue thought-provoking and inspiring, with stories that fuel hope and reinforce our shared commitment to a greener, cleaner future.