Civil society organizations across the Pacific region are intensifying their calls for leaders to take decisive action against deep-sea mining (DSM), urging for a permanent ban to protect vital marine ecosystems and uphold the rights of indigenous peoples. This push aligns with the High-Level Talanoa on Deep Sea Minerals happening at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fiji, where regional leaders have convened to discuss governance issues related to DSM.
Vani Catanasiga, Executive Director of the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS), noted that despite Fiji’s international support for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, the country currently lacks enforceable domestic legislation to implement such a ban. Catanasiga pointed to recent studies conducted with Monash University, which identified legal gaps that could potentially allow mining to occur against the will of the public, highlighting the urgent need for stronger legal frameworks.
FCOSS is advocating for amendments to the Mining Act of 1965 and the Marine Spaces Act of 1997 to create a legally binding national ban on DSM. Catanasiga also called for Fiji to withdraw from any international agreements that may undermine ocean protection and indigenous rights.
While acknowledging Fiji’s climate change ministry for its environmental commitments, Catanasiga emphasized the necessity for more robust marine conservation laws that promote sustainable alternatives. She noted the disconnect between public intentions, like the Udaune Declaration on Climate Change signed by the Prime Minister in 2023, and the lack of enforceable policies, which complicates accountability measures.
Lagi Toribau, a policy consultant with Greenpeace, expressed concerns regarding the inadequate representation of civil society in critical discussions about DSM. “We sought a meaningful dialogue but found ourselves excluded from conversations in which our input should be valued,” Toribau said, underlining the importance of including civil society voices in decision-making processes that directly affect their communities and reliance on ocean resources.
The narrative framing the protection of marine ecosystems as a human rights issue was reiterated by Hilary Raigetal, a navigator and master canoe carver. He emphasized the deep cultural ties between Pacific peoples and the ocean, stating, “Our cultural identity is tied to the sea, and we must ensure that these discussions uphold our rights and sustain our marine environment.”
Phil McCabe, Pacific Coordinator for the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, warned that if DSM continues unregulated, it could lead to considerable ecological damage. He noted, “There is a consensus in the scientific community regarding the threats posed by deep-sea mining, especially given our limited knowledge of deep-sea ecosystems.”
This collective outcry for sustainable resource management reflects ongoing concerns highlighted in prior discussions about environmental sustainability, where civil society has persistently championed the rights of indigenous peoples in the conservation of marine ecosystems. Advocates assert that protecting ocean health is essential not only for environmental integrity but also for the socioeconomic well-being of communities that depend on marine resources.
The growing momentum for sustainable practices in the Pacific signifies a hopeful direction that could secure both ecological balance and the rights of local communities, ultimately fostering a future where generations can thrive in harmony with their natural surroundings.
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