Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority respond to PIANGO call for moratorium
The Seabed Minerals Authority (Authority) is committed to applying best environmental practice in the seabed minerals sector to ensure a sustainable future for the Cook Islands. In this regard, we share the same sentiments as PIANGO on the need to protect and sustainably use our ocean. The ocean has always supported us, and we will not do anything to impact its ability to continue to support our Pacific way of life.
That is why we will not allow the commercial recovery of our nodules unless we are satisfied there is sufficient information on how to address and minimise any potential environmental impacts. Other Pacific nations, such as Nauru, the Kingdom of Tonga and Kiribati are involved in the seabed minerals sector. They support a responsible and science-driven approach to this sector, as do the Cook Islands.
The gathering of scientific data and information will help improve our understanding of the biodiversity of the deep sea ecosystems and functions, and assist decision-makers in identifying the best measures to safeguard the marine environment. This, PIANGO and the Authority agree on.
There appears to be some confusion as to the call for a moratorium on mining when there is no mining occurring. Regulators have committed to a requirement for the collection of environmental data and information, and comprehensive environmental impact assessment prior to allowing seabed mineral recovery.
The Authority respectfully disagrees with PIANGO’s view that Governments should prefer scientific research resourced by independent researchers as opposed to mining companies.
Most of the current investment in deep sea exploration comes from the private sector. To shun that would deprive us of further advancements in our scientific knowledge of the deep sea.
We support both industry and independent research.
Furthermore, the Authority, as a government regulator, will verify the exploratory research commissioned by contractors and independent researchers through a comprehensive monitoring programme.
In our pursuit for more scientific information, we have a unique opportunity for renewed collaboration between government, research institutions, industry and civil society.
At the local level, the Cook Islands Civil Society Organisation (CICSO) has signalled its willingness to support collaboration and consultation with the Authority on seabed minerals issues. We look forward to working further with them and other local civil society organisations who are willing to engage with us.
It is unfortunate PIANGO choose to compare seabed mining with COVID19, which is problematic at best.
If anything, COVID19 highlights the need for countries to diversify their economies and increase their resilience to global humanitarian crises, including pandemics. Small countries, like the Cook Islands, with limited natural or human resources and a very narrow economic base are particularly vulnerable – which is all the more reason why those countries should be free to, at the very least, explore the potential of the limited resources they do have.
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SEABED MINERALS AUTHORITY RELEASE