A/RES/62/215 V The Area 33. Notes the progress of the discussions on issues relating to the regulations for prospecting and exploration for polymetallic sulphides and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts in the Area, and reiterates the importance of the ongoing elaboration by the Authority, pursuant to article 145 of the Convention, of rules, regulations and procedures to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment, the protection and conservation of the natural resources of the Area and the prevention of damage to its flora and fauna from harmful effects that may arise from activities in the Area; 34. Also notes the importance of the responsibilities entrusted to the Authority by articles 143 and 145 of the Convention, which refer to marine scientific research and protection of the marine environment, respectively; VI Effective functioning of the Authority and the Tribunal 35. Appeals to all States parties to the Convention to pay their assessed contributions to the Authority and to the Tribunal in full and on time, and also appeals to States parties in arrears with their contributions to fulfil their obligations without delay; 36. Urges all States parties to the Convention to attend the sessions of the Authority, and calls upon the Authority to continue to pursue all options, including making concrete recommendations on the issue of dates, in order to improve attendance in Kingston and to ensure global participation; 37. Calls upon States that have not done so to consider ratifying or acceding to the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the Tribunal 15 and to the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the Authority; 16 14F 15F 38. Emphasizes the importance of the Tribunal’s rules and staff regulations promoting the recruitment of a geographically representative staff in the Professional and higher categories, and welcomes the actions taken by the Tribunal in observance of those rules and regulations, as reported by its President to the seventeenth Meeting of States Parties; 17 16F VII The continental shelf and the work of the Commission 39. Encourages States parties to the Convention that are in a position to do so to make every effort to submit information to the Commission regarding the establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles, in conformity with article 76 of the Convention and article 4 of annex II to the Convention, taking into account the decision of the eleventh Meeting of States _______________ 15 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 2167, No. 37925. Ibid., vol. 2214, No. 39357. 17 SPLOS/164 and Corr.1, para. 22. 16 9