What even is the Pacific Islands Forum?
The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is a huge gathering of leaders from 18 Pacific nations. These leaders come together once a year to address the biggest issues facing the region. Climate change, ocean protection and regional security are usually amongst the chief topics.
This year the Pacific leaders had the opportunity to discuss the most divergent issue facing the region – Deep Sea Mining.
Deep Sea Mining: PIF’s glaring omission
Before the PIF even convened, Deep Sea Mining had emerged as a critical issue for the Pacific. Civil society had a strong and powerful presence outside the meeting, and created a groundswell of energy that should have elevated Deep Sea Mining as one of the key topics of discussion.
But despite the efforts of the Pacific community, this critical topic barely received the attention it deserved. It was only given superficial mention in the official communique, and space for discussing the issue so critical to the region was almost non-existent.
Regardless, the message from the community was clear: Protect our oceans, safeguard our future. The loud, vibrant demonstration underscored the widespread opposition to deep sea mining and highlighted the urgent need for policies that prioritize the health of our marine environments over short-term economic gains.
So what’s the deal with Deep Sea Mining anyway?
Deep Sea Mining is exactly what it sounds like. And for Pacific Island nations, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Pacific Ocean covers more than 60 million square kilometers, and its deep-sea ecosystems are among the most untouched and pristine on Earth.
Many Pacific Island countries have unique marine environments that support diverse and irreplaceable biodiversity. The destructive practice of Deep Sea Mining poses a significant threat to these delicate ecosystems. For these nations, protecting their oceanic heritage is not just an environmental issue but a cultural and economic imperative.
How does Deep Sea Mining Affect Australia?
Australia, as a close neighbour and significant player in the Pacific region, has a vested interest in the outcomes of the Pacific Islands Forum. With its extensive coastline and shared marine resources, Australia’s environmental and economic future is intertwined with the health of the Pacific Ocean.
The effects of deep sea mining don’t stop at national borders; they ripple across the region, impacting regional marine ecosystems, fisheries, and the overall health of our shared ocean environment. Australia’s engagement in this issue reflects its commitment to regional stability and environmental stewardship.
Australia in the hot seat over contentious COP Bid
Australia wants to host the next UN Climate Change Conference, or COP, and it was a hot topic all week. Some Pacific nations, although positive about the COP31 bid as it provides a powerful platform to centre Pacific climate demands, supported the bid with a contingency. The President of the Republic of Marshall Islands, honourable Hilde Heine intervened during the plenary session, “Action starts at home” and urged Australia to bring a good news story of energy transition away from fossil fuels to COP31. Australia’s current climate policies fall well short of what’s needed to ensure a safe climate in the Pacific.
Upcoming Meeting: A Chance for Leadership
In October, a pivotal meeting will be hosted by Pacific Island leaders to address concerns about deep sea mining. Australia will be in attendance, and this presents a crucial opportunity for the Australian government to demonstrate leadership. As stewards of the Pacific’s vast oceanic resources, Australian leaders have a chance to unite with Pacific nations in protecting their marine heritage.
The Pacific people, with their deep cultural connection to the ocean, hold moral authority on these matters. Australia’s role must be to support and amplify their voices, ensuring that decisions made about the ocean reflect the values and needs of the people who rely on it for their livelihoods and cultural practices.
What’s Next?
The conversation around Deep Sea Mining is far from over. The next significant event on the agenda is the United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP. At COP, global leaders and stakeholders will have another opportunity to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, environmental and ocean protection.
As the Pacific Islands Forum has demonstrated, the fight to protect our oceans is a collective effort that requires global attention and action. Stay tuned for more updates and join the conversation to ensure that our oceans remain vibrant and resilient for generations to come.
