SIX non-governmental organisations were granted observer status to the International Seabed Authority this year, bringing the total number of observers in that category to 20.

The additions are Austrian-based Thyssen Bornemisza Art Contemporary; African Minerals Development Centre, which is headquartered at the Economic Commission for Africa in Ethiopia; Durham University’s Centre for Borders Research, United Kingdom; as well as RESOLVE, the Pew Charitable Trusts, and Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative, all based in the United States.

Observer status allows the NGOs to sit at public meetings of the Assembly and, upon the invitation of the president and subject to the approval by the Assembly, may make oral or written statements on questions within the scope of their activities.

Five organisations were granted observer status last year.

Secretary General Nii Alottey Odunton said the increased number, though marginal, is a reflection of the growing interest in the work of the ISA.

Some 30 United Nations and inter-governmental organisations, including the International Maritime Orgnaisation, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries are observers at the ISA, as are an equal number of countries, including the United States of America.