25 September 2014: Seven West African coastal countries jointly submitted a document on seafloor exploration and exploitation to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS). GRID-Arendal, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Norwegian Mapping Authority and the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate provided technical support to the countries in their submission, according to GRID-Arendal’s September newsletter.

Cape Verde, the Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal and Sierra Leone submitted the report, which describes the location of the line that defines the seafloor areas where these coastal states will secure the rights to explore and exploit natural resources. The area defined in the joint submission is nearly as large as France, at approximately 630,000 square kilometers, and is located beyond the countries Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). According to GRID-Arendal, the resources contained in this area could help support the countries’ sustainable development.

The seven-state submission is the largest regional collaboration on a submission to the CLCS. Out of a total 75 lodged submissions involving 70 states, six are joint submissions. Previously, the maximum number of states collaborating on a submission was four.

The CLCS will consider the joint submission at its 37th session, which is scheduled to take place from 2 February to 20 March 2015 in New York, US.

GRID-Arendal’s September newsletter also highlights recent and upcoming conferences and seminars on the marine environment as well as a featured website and picture of the month. GRID-Arendal is a collaborating center with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). [GRID-Arendal Marine Newsletter #8 2014 – September] [Submission to the CLCS: Executive Summary]