Amiel Ian Valdez presented his paper titled ‘Examining the Interplay Between Precautionary Principle and Environmental Impact Assessment in the Conduct of Deep-Sea Mining in the High Seas’ at a panel on ‘Integrating Different Objectives in Ocean Governance’ during the 4^th World Environmental Law Congress organised by the IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law, which was held from 5 to 7 May 2025 in Rabat Morocco. In his presentation, Amiel dissects the extent to which precautionary principle and environmental impact assessment should be factored in and considered in the event of a legal dispute in the extraction or exploitation of minerals in the seabed beyond national jurisdiction.

CIL researcher, Joel Ong, and CIL Director, Nilufer Oral, also presented in this event.

The IUCN Congress focussed on theme: ‘Integrated Legal Protection of Air, Ocean and Land’. It was the first time that the event was fully held in Africa. The Congress brought together over 200 in-person participants and more than 1,000 online participants. Participants came from different backgrounds—WCEL Members, legislators, UN staff, judges, lawyers, diplomats, legal counsel of development agencies and legal academics. ‘A key message from the Congress is that what is needed is a legal system that protects and enhances the environment in an integrated manner and recognises its profound value for achieving other objectives, such as the enjoyment of human rights, economic development, social stability, solidarity, peace and security.’ (IUCN Story, 9 May 2025).