Cook Islands participate in the Deep Sea Knowledge and Governance Platform Conference
Alex Herman, SBM (Seabed Minerals) Commissioner, and Dr. John Parianos, Director of Knowledge Management, of the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA), were invited to participate in a regional dialogue held from the 19-21 March 2024, at the IRD (French Research Institute for Sustainable Development) in Noumea.
The IRD, in collaboration with the French State Secretariat for the Sea, organised this important gathering to foster collaboration and understanding on deep-sea knowledge and governance issues in the Pacific region. The dialogue has been divided into two stages, with the first taking place in Noumea and the second to take place in Tahiti in December 2024.
Alex Herman and Dr. John Parianos confirmed the Cook Islands' participation in the Noumea platform, highlighting the Cook Islands' deep-sea policy and the achievements as well as challenges faced by the Seabed Minerals Authority in this area. The Secretary of State for the Sea has requested the IRD spearhead a collaborative scientific evaluation that concentrates on deep-sea knowledge and governance.
This assessment, led by a committee of experts from various research institutions and universities, aims to carefully assess the current state and future prospects of deep seabed utilisation and governance arrangements, both nationally and internationally. IRD provides a dialogue platform that allows Pacific Island nations and territories to exchange experiences, discuss governance mechanisms, and participate in the collective scientific assessment process. This initiative is consistent with the Blue Pacific Continent's 2050 Strategy.
Gilles Pecassou, IRD Deputy Executive Director, emphasised the significance of these meetings in providing a neutral forum for diverse stakeholders, including governments, traditional authorities, civil society, and regional organisations, to contribute to the discussion of deep-sea issues.
The Cook Islands is committed to sharing and engaging with all stakeholders on our learning and challenges to provide context on our current exploration program to stimulate deep-sea knowledge and effective governance. “The feedback from conference participants was positive and encouraging after they were able to question and learn about the Cook Islands SBM exploration journey. They could see and appreciate how we apply both the precautionary approach and scientific method, within our robust regulatory framework.” Shares Dr John Parianos.
Source by: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority