Pacific NGOs Challenge ISA Over Seabed Mining Workshop

Pacific civil society cautions ISA of ‘bluewashing’ deep-sea mining – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)

Suva, Fiji – Pacific civil society organizations opened the first day of an International Seabed Authority workshop here by warning that the event risks presenting deep-sea mining as a form of sustainable development. The gathering, officially titled the Deep Seabed Sustainable Blue Growth Initiative, drew immediate criticism for its focus on sponsoring states while limiting broader input from Pacific nations and community groups. Organizers and participants said the format could sideline environmental safeguards and cultural concerns tied to the ocean.

Workshop Format Draws Early Scrutiny

The Pacific Regional Non-Government Organisations Alliance, which includes more than 20 groups, argued that the agenda places too much emphasis on countries already committed to mining sponsorship. They said this approach leaves little room for states that favor stronger environmental protections or a precautionary pause. The alliance maintained that such an imbalance could give the impression the ISA is advancing mining interests under the banner of regional cooperation.

Critics pointed out that civil society representatives were largely excluded from the main sessions despite the workshop’s stated goal of inclusive dialogue. They noted that decisions about seabed resources carry transboundary risks that affect communities far beyond any single nation’s waters. The groups urged the ISA to adjust future events to ensure equal participation for all Pacific voices.

Leaders Highlight Cultural and Environmental Stakes

Reverend James Bhagwan of the Pacific Conference of Churches described the ocean as central to Pacific identity, spirituality, and survival rather than a simple resource for extraction. He said mining would damage the life systems that connect islands, peoples, and future generations. Other speakers echoed that rebranding seabed mining as “blue growth” masks its destructive nature and ignores long-standing calls for ocean protection.

Ms Laisa Nainoka of the Pacific Network on Globalisation stressed that harm to marine ecosystems cannot be made acceptable through new labels. She noted that impacts would extend across entire ocean basins, affecting fisheries and climate regulation relied upon by Pacific communities. Mr Rae Bainteiti of Greenpeace Australia Pacific added that the financial returns projected for most island nations remain minimal compared with profits expected by international operators.

Demands for Balanced Participation

The alliance presented three specific requests to the ISA during the Suva sessions. First, civil society and community perspectives must be actively included in all workshops. Second, the authority should reduce the dominance of heavily invested sponsoring states and give non-sponsoring Pacific nations equal standing. Third, discussions must give equal weight to independent science, the precautionary approach, and cumulative environmental impacts.

These points come as 40 countries worldwide, including seven Pacific nations, have already called for a moratorium or precautionary pause on deep-sea mining. The groups said the current workshop format fails to reflect that growing international stance.

The ISA has not yet responded to the alliance’s statements. The workshop continues through the week in Suva.