The 30th Council of the International Seabed Authority (hereinafter referred to as the ISA) decided to grant the China Oceanic Development Foundation (CODF) non-governmental organization observer status. 

As of now, ISA has 130 observers, including 27 observer States, 36 intergovernmental organizations and 67 non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Among them, three Chinese NGOs have been granted observer status. 

After being granted observer status by the ISA, CODF may:

• l participate in the work of the Assembly and the Council, with the limitations outlined below and in the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly and the Council.

• l sit at public meetings of the Assembly and, upon invitation from the President and subject to approval by the Assembly, may make oral statements on questions within the scope of their activities.

• l designate representatives to participate, without the right to vote, in the deliberations of the Council, upon the invitation of the Council, on questions affecting them or within the scope of their activities.