ISA was initially expected to finalize the exploitation regulations in 2020 , but the process was stalled by the Covid-19 pandemic .

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr . and Fiji Prime Frank Bainimarama announced last month launched an alliance to prevent the destructive industry to go ahead , according to PacNews , reporting from Lisbon , Portugal where nations gathered for the UN Oceans Conference .

“ We believe it is not worth the risk . We ask all of you to support that deepsea mining increases the vulnerability of the seabed floor and marine life . How can we in our right minds say let ' s go mining without knowing what the risks are ?” Whipps asked .

Bainimarama warned against destroying any pristine marine life that has yet to be discovered . “ We won ’ t be able to replace the potential discoveries that seabed mining could grind into dust –– we have to put knowledge first ,” Pac- News quoted Bainimarama as saying .

While Fiji adopted a measure to ban deep-sea mining by 2030 and has expanded its maritime protected areas by 8 percent , its efforts alone are insufficient , he said , urging other countries to follow its lead .

Nauru , however , has defended its move , declaring that “ seabed mining in the Pacific is environmentally and

economically vital .”

On June 8 , 2020 , the Nauru government issues a statement , reaffirming the nation ’ s “ intent to conserve and sustainably use the ocean , while also recognizing the part it plays in our future economic viability ” and describing seabed mining as “ a welcome and exciting development .”

“ Polymetallic nodules , found on the ocean floor , can assist with the world ' s paramount challenge of transitioning away from fossil fuels , by delivering a timely and effective energy transition that is more environmentally , socially and economically responsible ,” the statement said .

At the conclusion of the UN conference last month , Pacific civil society groups and leaders urged global leaders to place a halt on deep-sea mining until there is enough scientific research to assess and understand the environmental and social harm that it poses .

Ralph Regenvanu , chair of the Pacific Parliamentarians ’ Alliance on Deep Sea Mining or PPADSM , called on leaders to stop “ what could be one of humanity ’ s final follies .”

“ As we come together in the 2022 UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon , it is with renewed hope and commitment that we , as a global society , can make the important shifts in how we engage with our environment , of which we are part , and particularly with the ocean ,” said Regenvanu , Vanuatu ’ s opposition leader .

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres declared that the world is facing “ an ocean emergency ” and that the “ egoism ” of some nations was hampering efforts to agree on a long-awaited treaty to protect the world ’ s oceans .

PPADSM has called for new scientific research to understand the impacts of deep-sea mining on the world ’ s largest and most stable carbon and methane sink and to also understand its impact on fisheries and fishing grounds , human rights - in particular , rights of indigenous peoples - and rights of nature .

The Federated States of Micronesia , Fiji , Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu have already taken measures including a ban or a moratorium on deep sea mining within their national jurisdictions .

In March this year , Tuvalu rescinded its deep-sea mining sponsorship application , making it the first International Seabed Authority member state to halt proceeding with an earlier intention to participate in deep-sea mining .

“ For Tuvalu , this decision is an expression of our ‘ common stewardship responsibility ’ in an area considered to be the common heritage of mankind ,” Ambassador Samuelu Laloniu said . “ Our common stewardship responsibility is to ensure stringent environmental protection in light of the potential harm that deep-sea mining could entail on ecosystems , biodiversity , fisheries and worse still , the potential harm on the climatic function that the deep ocean plays , which will be a liability borne by the sponsoring state .

“ As Tuvaluans , we have a deep understanding of what it means to be at the forefront of the climate emergency , one not of our making . As such our multilateral engagements and positions including on international legal norms are informed and shaped by our shared values and responsibilities as a people , which prioritise the health and well-being of our people , environment and safeguard [ ing ] our culture in perpetuity in the face of an existential crisis .”

The alliance has appealed to Nauru , the Cook Islands , Kiribati and Tonga to follow Tuvalu ’ s lead and to draw back from the brink .

Because of weaknesses in the existing regime governing oceans and the need for a reinterpretation of the common heritage of mankind , PPADSM has also called for appropriate reforms to ISA that would strengthen transparency and ensure accountability and due diligence in its operation .

There are three main types of deposits that deep-sea miners target- Polymetallic Nodules , Seabed Massive Sulphides and Cobalt Rich Crusts- which provide metals and rare earth elements .

Guam Sen . Sabina Perez said the ocean was at risk of being pillaged and despoiled because of the relentless pursuit of profit combined with the expansion of militarism and colonization and the advancement of modern technology .

“ It is evident that deep-sea mining has the potential to become a fierce new form of imperialism that further threatens our political , economic , and spiritual sovereignty and cultural survivorship ,” she added .

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer , co-leader of the Māori Party , echoed the same sentiments adding that we must always think of how our decisions today would affect future generations .

“ The reality is ... and we learnt during Covid-19 , we learned in the middle of the pandemic , that no matter how rich , it didn ’ t matter how powerful you were , we were all taken down to our knees in the same way ,” she added .

( with reports from Pasifika Environews / PacNews )

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