Local Environmental Groups Urge Government to Conduct Comprehensive Survey on Seabed Mining

The Cook Islands government is facing mounting pressure from local environmental groups to conduct a comprehensive survey on seabed mining, ahead of further action being taken.

Marine biologist Dr Teina Rongo, chairperson of non-governmental organisation Korero o te Orau, has called for balanced education and awareness campaigns to ensure all Cook Islanders, including those on the outer islands, are fully informed about the potential impacts of seabed mining.

The Controversy Surrounding Seabed Mining Consultations

The issue came to a head during a Facebook exchange between Korero o te Orau and the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA). SBMA had included Korero o te Orau’s logo in a presentation slide during its consultation in New Zealand last month, implying the NGO’s involvement and support for seabed mining. However, Korero o te Orau criticised this move, stating that it was misleading.

“Your heading is misleading as it states we are involved but doesn’t clarify how. It’s a misuse of our logos,” said Dr Rongo in a statement.

Opposition Leader Calls for Reforms

Opposition leader Tina Browne earlier stated that the trip to New Zealand was a “promotion not consultation”. She suggested that the SBMA did not include any opposition members or representatives from non-government organisations, “so that only one view was promoted at the meetings”.

“At the Blue Planet Alliance forum, they made it clear that DSM (deep-sea mining) is not necessary for renewable energy. If ecosystems are destroyed in the process, can we really call it clean energy?”

Environmental Groups Stress the Need for Public Support

Environmental groups are stressing that the Government must prioritise the interests of Cook Islanders and the country’s natural heritage over economic gains. “This is about more than just the economy; it’s about protecting our environment and ensuring that decisions are made with the full knowledge and consent of our people,” said June Hosking, president of Te Ipukarea Society (TIS).

Government Response

The Cook Islands News has contacted outgoing Seabed Minerals Authority commissioner, Alex Herman, who resigned last week, for comment on the use of the logo and criticisms about the consultation pushing the government’s agenda on seabed mining.

Dr Rongo also highlighted the exclusion of NGOs from public consultations in 2021 despite their roles in the Technical Advisory Group. “We weren’t invited to any of the consultations, even though the Government went multiple times. This exclusion is deeply concerning,” she claimed.

A Call for Action

In conclusion, local environmental groups are urging the Cook Islands government to conduct a comprehensive survey on seabed mining, ahead of further action being taken. They stress that the Government must prioritise the interests of Cook Islanders and the country’s natural heritage over economic gains.

“The conversation focuses on profits and benefits, ignoring the harm. When community members ask if we can stop if it turns out to be bad for us, there are no clear answers,” said Jackie Rongo, secretary of Korero o te Orau.

“The Government must listen to the concerns of its people and take a more inclusive approach to decision-making on seabed mining. The future of our environment and our economy depends on it.”