Civil society organizations in the Pacific region are rallying to urge leaders to take decisive measures against deep-sea mining (DSM), advocating for a permanent ban to safeguard marine ecosystems and protect indigenous rights. This plea coincides with the High-Level Talanoa on Deep Sea Minerals taking place at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fiji, where Pacific island leaders convene to discuss governance related to DSM.
Vani Catanasiga, Executive Director of the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS), stressed that although Fiji has voiced support for a moratorium on deep-sea mining internationally, it lacks legally binding domestic laws to enforce such a stance. Catanasiga indicated that recent studies conducted with Monash University highlighted legal vulnerabilities that might permit mining despite public opposition, underscoring the urgent need for stronger legislative measures.
“FCOSS is calling on the government to implement a legally binding national ban on DSM through amendments to the Mining Act of 1965 and the Marine Spaces Act of 1997,” Catanasiga explained. The organization emphasizes that Fiji should withdraw from any international DSM arrangements counter to ocean protection and indigenous rights.
Catanasiga also acknowledged Fiji’s climate change ministry for its commitments to environmental conservation, while reinforcing the need for robust marine conservation laws promoting sustainable alternatives. The absence of enforceable policies juxtaposed with public declarations of intent–such as the Udaune Declaration on Climate Change signed by the Prime Minister in 2023–further complicates the issue of accountability.
Lagi Toribau, a policy consultant with Greenpeace, echoed concerns regarding a lack of civil society representation in critical discussions surrounding DSM. “We aimed to have a meaningful dialogue but were excluded from discussions we should be part of,” Toribau asserted, emphasizing the need for civil society voices in decision-making processes affecting their communities and the oceans upon which they depend.
The narrative of protecting marine ecosystems as a human rights issue was reinforced by Hilary Raigetal, a navigator and master canoe carver, who articulated the vital connection between the Pacific peoples and the ocean. “Our cultural identity is tied to the sea, and we must elevate our voices to ensure these discussions uphold our rights and sustain the ocean,” he declared.
Phil McCabe, Pacific Coordinator for the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, warned of the potential for significant ecological disruption if DSM progresses unchecked, noting, “There is a consensus in the scientific community regarding the dangers of deep-sea mining, particularly given our limited understanding of underwater ecosystems.”
In a broader context, these calls for action reflect sentiments expressed during previous discussions on environmental stewardship and sustainability, wherein civil society organizations consistently advocated for the rights and voices of indigenous peoples in decision-making processes related to the conservation of marine ecosystems. Advocates emphasize that the preservation of ocean health is crucial not only for environmental integrity but also for the socioeconomic welfare of communities reliant on marine resources.
This collective movement towards advocating for sustainable resource management in the Pacific is a promising development that could safeguard both ecological health and the rights of local communities, ensuring that present and future generations can thrive in harmony with their environments.
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