Twenty years ago, on 16 November 1994, marks the entry into force of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, adopted in 1982, and consequently, the inauguration of the International Seabed Authority, established in Jamaica. This commemorative volume traces the history, developments and structure of this international organization, looking at its achievements as it carries out its mandate to manage the mineral resources of the seabed beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, for the benefit of the common heritage of mankind .