Deep-sea ‘promotion not consultation’
Opposition leader Tina Browne has claimed that the meaning of the word “consultation” is lost on the Government, following a government-led seabed minerals meeting that was held in New Zealand last week.
Browne claimed: “The recent trip to New Zealand was a ‘promotion’ not ‘consultation’ and the team did not include any opposition members nor any representative from non-government organisations, so that only one view was promoted at the meetings.”
Browne has also responded to a Kata cartoon recently published in Cook Islands News highlighting the debate around deep-sea mining stating that the cartoon perfectly captures the growing divide between those who see mining as a potential economic boost and those who fear its impact on the environment.
She has warned that while the government is focused on the promise of quick profits, they are ignoring the significant risks that deep-sea mining poses to the marine environment, the economy, and most importantly, Cook Islanders themselves.
The cartoon was a result of recent articles published on the government’s consultation in New Zealand last week where non-government organisations in Cook Islands raised concerns about the use of their logos. A response from the Seabed Minerals Authority on this was yet to be received.
The Opposition leader says: “If deep-sea mining goes ahead, Cook Islanders will miss out on the high-paying jobs because the government has not trained or upskilled our people to take on these roles.
“Instead, foreign workers will be brought in to do the specialized jobs, leaving our people with the scraps.”
Looking at environmental damage, she pointed to studies from international experts, such as the Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative, which warn that mining the seabed could destroy fragile ecosystems and harm marine life. Sediment plumes and disturbances to carbon storage could also make climate change worse.
“Countries like New Zealand and Norway have already paused or banned deep-sea mining because they know the risks are too high. The Cook Islands must do the same. Once we damage our ocean, it’s gone forever.”
She said claimed that a report by the World Bank shows that global demand for seabed minerals is uncertain as more countries turn to recycling and sustainable alternatives.
“This is a gamble, not a guaranteed win. The government is risking our environment and our people’s future in an industry that may not even deliver the profits they are promising.”
She is urging the government to explore alternatives that are sustainable and benefit Cook Islanders directly, such as eco-tourism, renewable energy, and marine conservation.
She said the cartoon raises an important question: Who is doing the research to prove their case? And highlights the confusion many Cook Islanders feel about this issue.
““We demand that the government release independent studies on the risks of mining and hold proper public consultations.
“Cook Islanders deserve to have their voices heard in this critical decision that will shape our future.”
She added that more forums on sea-bed mining (like the one recently held in Rarotonga) should be held where presenters are made up of the ‘fors’ and the ‘against’, and all can attend to hear the views of both sides
Meanwhile, according to PMN, the New Zealand Diaspora Consultation 2024 reflected the Cook Islands government’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Cook Islanders abroad.
It was reported that Prime Minister Mark Brown highlighted that the Cook Islands gained valuable knowledge after exploring the ocean floor for two years.
And he emphasised the government's commitment to sustainable progress while allowing mining companies to reassess environmental risks during a three-year exploration phase.
Also read: Roadshow not consultation
> Govt consultation ‘misleading’
Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National