FOR many indigenous communities in the Pacific, the ocean is not just a resource; it is an integral part of their existence, connecting them to centuries of tradition and culture. However, as interest in deep-sea mining (DSM) increases, so do concerns regarding its environmental and cultural impact on these coastal communities.
Deep-sea mining refers to the retrieval of mineral deposits from areas of the ocean floor that are over 200 meters deep, a practice sanctioned by the International Seabed Authority (ISA). Currently, there are 22 contractors operating under 31 exploration licenses worldwide, with countries like the United Kingdom, China, and India leading the charge. Among the exploration areas are regions in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone, where concerns about the long-term implications of such extraction practices have reached a critical point.
Fiji has taken a significant step by instituting a 10-year moratorium on DSM, a decision made under former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who emphasized the need for a careful evaluation of potential long-term ecological impacts. His successor, Sitiveni Rabuka, has pledged to uphold this agreement. Nonetheless, discussions on DSM erupted recently at a closed-door Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) meeting in Suva, revealing a split among member nations. While some countries, such as Cook Islands and Nauru, support DSM for potential economic benefits, others, including Fiji and Vanuatu, have voiced stark opposition due to environmental concerns.
Civil society organizations (CSOs) have raised alarm over their exclusion from these critical discussions, arguing that any decision about DSM should involve comprehensive consultations with local communities. Vani Catanasiga, the executive director of the Fiji Council of Social Services, advocates for a complete ban on DSM, urging that the ocean must be seen not merely as a resource for exploitation but as vital to their cultural heritage and survival.
Indigenous voices are also increasingly vocal against DSM. Advocates stress that mining the seabed challenges their sacred relationship with the ocean, which they view as a living being full of knowledge and history. Solomon Islands social entrepreneur Millicent Barty highlighted that for many Pacific peoples, the ocean is their ancestor and should be treated with respect rather than subjected to destructive practices.
The repercussions of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss further exacerbate the urgency for protecting marine ecosystems. Rufino Varea of the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network warns that DSM will only exacerbate these crises, potentially irreversible damage to essential ocean life. He stressed the interconnectedness of ecological health and the need for Fiji to enact laws that prevent exploitation before corporate interests escalate.
As awareness and resistance to deep-sea mining grow, action is being taken to safeguard both marine environments and the rights of indigenous communities. The collective efforts by local communities, environmental advocates, and leaders to push for sustainability could lead to robust legislative frameworks aimed at preserving the ocean for future generations. By choosing to prioritize ecological integrity and community rights over short-term economic gains, Fiji and other Pacific nations have the potential to set a powerful example for sustainable resource management in the region, balancing economic aspirations with profound respect for the marine environment.
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