The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has highlighted concerns regarding significant gaps in Fiji’s legislative framework surrounding deep sea mining (DSM), as indicated in a recent report from Monash University. The report was summarized by FCOSS executive director Vani Catanasiga during the Pacific Blue Line Regional meeting held in Suva last week.
Catanasiga expressed her apprehension regarding the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts that unregulated DSM could have on Fiji’s marine ecosystems and its coastal and indigenous communities. She emphasized the necessity for immediate action to ensure that future legislation aligns with the intentions of the Melanesian Spearhead Group’s Udaune Declaration from 2023, which seeks to safeguard environmental interests.
Despite prior government announcements supporting a 10-year moratorium on DSM since 2020, the report reveals that Fiji lacks a legally enforceable ban and current laws, such as the Mining Act of 1965 and the International Seabed Mineral Management Act of 2013, do not prevent DSM exploitation. Catanasiga underscored that while there is no active DSM in Fiji at present, existing legal loopholes could enable its approval in the future if regulations are not tightened.
The potential negative consequences extend specifically to indigenous communities, whose deep-rooted cultural and spiritual connections to the ocean are recognized under both domestic and international law. FCOSS urged for urgent legal reforms aimed at reinforcing protections against DSM, advocating for compliance with international frameworks such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Catanasiga expressed FCOSS’s commitment to pushing for a legally binding ban on DSM within Fiji’s waters, proposing amendments to key legislation including the Environment Management Act, iTaukei Affairs Act, and Fisheries Act to explicitly prohibit such activities.
The ongoing discussions at the Pacific Blue Line meeting reflect a growing recognition of the importance of collective action in preserving marine environments. With global attention on the fragility of ocean ecosystems, this proactive approach by FCOSS may pave the way for more sustainable management practices in Fiji’s marine resources, ensuring both ecological health and community rights are upheld for future generations.
This could be seen as a hopeful development in shifting towards responsible and sustainable resource management, aligning with international commitments and promoting community involvement in decision-making processes.
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