SYDNEY / KINGSTON, Wednesday 31 July 2024 — In response to the Government of Tuvalu’s call for a precautionary pause on deep sea mining at the 29th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), currently underway in Kingston, Jamaica, the following quotes can be attributed to Greenpeace Head of Pacific Shiva Gounden:

“We congratulate the Government of Tuvalu on its commitment to protecting our oceans by calling for a precautionary pause on deep sea mining.

“Tuvalu joins a growing chorus of Pacific nations calling for a ban on deep sea mining to safeguard our Moana, which gives and sustains life for millions of people across the Pacific and around the world. This announcement is courageous and historic, as the proud island nation of Tuvalu again shows global leadership on ocean protection just like they have on climate protection, something we Pacific people see as deeply interconnected. 

“The momentum growing against the destructive deep sea mining industry is undeniable. For too long, profit-hungry corporations have plundered and exploited the ocean and high seas at the expense of the communities who depend on them, and whose lives and cultures are intrinsically linked with our oceans. Today the message is loud and clear — Pacific Island nations say, no more.”

Tuvalu’s announcement follows powerful statements from the Pacific nations of Vanuatu and Palau at the ISA in recent days, with both governments supporting a pause on deep sea mining to protect the oceans for generations to come. 31 countries, including the UK and Germany, have committed to a moratorium.

“Greenpeace is calling on the Australian government to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its Pacific vuvale and commit to a moratorium on deep sea mining,” Gounden said.

“This is an opportunity for Australia to stand alongside our Pacific neighbours and show leadership on ocean protection. The momentum is strong and growing; the time is now.”

The announcements come during the first week of the ISA Assembly meeting, which will end in a vote on the current Secretary General—a decision that could impact the future of deep sea mining worldwide.

—ENDS—

Notes: 

Greenpeace has several voices and ally voices on the ground in Kingston, Jamaica, including:

  • Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific
  • Louisa Casson, Greenpeace International Stop Deep Sea Mining campaigner
  • Pelenatita (Tita) Kara Longopoa, Program Director, Civil Society Forum of Tonga
  • Alanna Matamaru Smith, Director of Te Ipukarea Society
  • The Honourable Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s Minister for Climate Change, Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geohazards and Disaster Management

Images can be found here

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Kimberley Bernard on +61 407 581 404 or [email protected]