Islamabad, May 2025 – The National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), in collaboration with the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), convened its maiden international seminar titled “Deep-Sea Mining: Prospects & The Global Conservation Imperatives”, drawing over 200 participants including policymakers, scientists, environmentalists, industry leaders, and students.
The high-level forum sparked vital discourse on striking a balance between the economic potential of deep-sea resource extraction and the urgent need to protect delicate marine ecosystems.
Opening the event, Vice Admiral Ahmed Saeed, President of NIMA, underscored the ocean’s dual role as both a valuable resource and a shared legacy that demands responsible stewardship.
Prominent international marine biologist *Dr. Diva Amon, National Geographic Explorer, warned of irreversible ecological damage, highlighting the risk to carbon-rich ecosystems and still-undiscovered species. Keynote speaker *Senator Mushahid Hussain addressed the geopolitical stakes, urging Pakistan to leverage its Indian Ocean position through strategic engagement and equitable governance.
Ambassador Per Albert of Norway showcased his country’s environmentally conscious technologies for deep-sea exploration, advocating for economic benefits without compromising marine integrity. Other key speakers included *Dr. Fasiha Safdar (NIMA), **Mahmood Akhtar Cheema (IUCN), **Eng. Naimat Ullah Sohoo (NIO), **Dr. Nawaz Ahmed Virk (MOE), **Mr. Jahanzeb Sikandar (YouCan LLC), **Ms. Amna Munawar Awan (PBF), and *Ms. Shagufta Iqbal (MoMA), each presenting Pakistan’s evolving stance on oceanic sustainability.
Global experts including Shigeru Tanaka (USA), Sérgio Carvalho (Portugal), Julian Jackson (USA), and François Mosnier (UK) provided invaluable international insights.
Dr. Sajjad Ahmad, Director General of the Geological Survey of Pakistan and Chief Guest, emphasized Pakistan’s vast untapped Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and advocated for science-driven, collaborative development.
A key outcome of the seminar was a strong consensus on the necessity of international cooperation. Participants agreed that no single nation can singlehandedly tackle the intricate challenges of deep-sea governance, highlighting the need for integrated scientific, legal, industrial, and political collaboration.
Concluding the event, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors of ISSI, commended NIMA for providing an inclusive platform that brought diverse voices together to seek sustainable maritime solutions.
