THE HAGUE INTERNATIONAL SPACE RESOURCES GOVERNANCE WORKING GROUP: CONCLUSION AND WAY FORWARD

Paper number

IAC-20,D4,5,10,x59180

Author

Ms. Tanja Masson-Zwaan, The Netherlands, International Institute of Air and Space Law, Leiden University

Coauthor

Prof. René Lefeber, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Dr. Giuseppe Reibaldi, Austria, Moon Village Association (MVA)

Coauthor

Ms. Dimitra Stefoudi, The Netherlands, Leiden University

Year

2020

Abstract

The Hague International Space Resources Governance Working Group adopted the Building Blocks for the Development of an International Framework on Space Resources Governance in November 2019. The Building Blocks are the outcome of the discussions among the participants of the Working Group and aim to lay the groundwork for potential future negotiations on a framework to govern space resource activities. The Building Blocks were published on the website of the Working Group and were presented to the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and the Legal Subcommittee of UNCOPUOS. They were also translated to various languages, in an effort to increase their outreach in different regions around the world. 
Furthermore, a Commentary to the Building Blocks was published by Eleven Publishers, to provide background about the formulation of the Building Blocks and analyse the legal basis and discussion behind each provision. 
The Working Group functioned on the basis of a multi-stakeholder platform comprising members and observers from space agencies, industry, academia, science, international organisations and civil society. It concluded its activities at the end of 2019, but will continue to promote the implementation of the Building Blocks and the discussion on space resources governance in appropriate forums, through its members and observers. There is much work to be done, as the Building Blocks represent only a small step on the road towards a suitable international framework for space resource activities.
This paper will explain the main elements of the final version of the Building Blocks and highlight some of the changes in their text since the publication of the Draft Building Blocks in September 2017. Moreover, the paper will report on outreach activities organized by the Working Group in the aftermath of its conclusion and provide suggestions on further work.
All authors are closely involved with the creation and activities of the Working Group.

Abstract document

IAC-20,D4,5,10,x59180.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-20,D4,5,10,x59180.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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