New Caledonia has recently instituted a significant 50-year ban on deep-sea mining throughout its entire maritime zone, marking the territory as one of the most stringent in the region regarding ocean protection. The newly enacted law halts all commercial exploration and mining of mineral resources within the exclusive economic zone, which spans approximately 1.3 million square kilometers. Only non-invasive scientific research will be allowed.
The decision was made during a session of the Congress of New Caledonia, receiving widespread support among lawmakers. Jérémie Katidjo Monnier, the local government member overseeing the initiative, emphasized that this move positions New Caledonia as a leader in ocean conservation, stating, “Rather than giving in to the logic of immediate profit, New Caledonia can choose to be a pioneer in ocean protection.” He also highlighted the essential nature of asserting environmental sovereignty against multinational corporations and stressed the commitment to safeguard marine ecosystems for future generations.
New Caledonia is known for its rich marine biodiversity, hosting nearly one-third of the world’s remaining healthy coral reefs—an important natural resource as coral reefs currently make up only 1.5 percent of global reefs. Advocates for the ban argue that deep-sea mining poses severe and irreversible threats to these delicate ecosystems.
However, the decision was not without dissent; members of the Loyalists and Rassemblement-LR groups abstained from the vote, arguing that the moratorium is excessively strict and unrealistic given the territory’s economic ambitions. Nicolas Metzdorf, from the Loyalists, described the ban as counterproductive in light of New Caledonia’s goals related to nickel exploitation, indicating a clash between economic prospects and environmental preservation.
Interestingly, this legislative move comes shortly after the United States authorized deep-sea mining in international waters, prompting criticism from international bodies like the International Seabed Authority (ISA). Leticia Carvalho, head of the ISA, expressed concerns over unilateral actions that may pose risks to global ocean governance. In France, maritime affairs ambassador Olivier Poivre d’Arvor underscored that “the deep sea is not for sale,” firmly asserting the international principle that high seas belong to no single entity.
While New Caledonia embraces long-term ecological protection, it contrasts with the stances of other Pacific Island nations like Nauru and the Cook Islands, which have shown support for exploratory seabed mining as a means of economic enhancement.
Overall, New Caledonia’s bold decision sets a precedent in the region, reflecting an emerging movement among Pacific Islands to prioritize sustainable practices over short-term economic gains. This approach not only seeks to protect marine biodiversity but strives to empower local communities in maintaining their environmental heritage amidst global economic pressures. Such legislative action is a powerful testament to the possibility of aligning ecological stewardship with developmental goals in the Pacific region.
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