Source: Scoop
Author: Pacific Parliamentarians Alliance on Deep Sea Mining (PPADSM)
The Pacific Parliamentarians Alliance on Deep Sea Mining (PPADSM) acknowledged announcements from the Fiji Government and two philanthropic organisations in support of various efforts to ensure that the Pacific Ocean is safeguarded from deep seabed mining (DSM), which poses significant threats to marine ecosystems and biodiversity, and serves no benefit to Pacific peoples.
Fiji reaffirmed its position to ban DSM at the Conference, declaring that mining the ocean’s floors will lead to permanent and irreparable impacts. The PPADSM supports the statement of Fiji’s Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, that “we cannot destroy what we do not understand” and that there is renewed momentum to oppose DSM from across the region – and we must build on it.
“We welcome Fiji’s leadership on this issue. It is vital for Pacific Island nations to make a strong stand against this exploitative industry that has the potential to cause substantial harm to our Ocean,” said PPADSM Chair, Hon. Ralph Regevanu.
PPADSM also welcomed the decision by the Tuvalu Government to rescind its plans to advance proposals for DSM.
Tuvalu’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Simon Kofe said the challenge with Tuvalu is the Seabed Minerals Act which was passed by the previous government which allows mining companies to apply to Tuvalu. But he added that his government is not in support and came to the decision of revoking its sponsorship of Circular Metals Ltd.