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French Polynesia Leader Voices Strong Opposition to Deep-Sea Mining
PAPEETE – The president of French Polynesia has delivered a stern warning against deep-sea mining, declaring it will not be permitted within his territory during his leadership. Moetai Brotherson asserted that the potential for environmental damage far exceeds any conceivable benefits, adding his voice to the growing global debate surroundingseabed mineral extraction in the Pacific Islands region.
Concerns Over Environmental Consequences
President Brotherson’s remarks to The Guardian highlight the dilemma facing numerous nations in the Pacific and globally as they consider exploiting mineral resources from the ocean floor. While deep-sea mining is not yet operational, various corporations and countries are actively investigating its feasibility, with potential operations commencing in the near future.
“We are acting like gods with the very origin of life – and that is excessively perilous,” Brotherson stated from his Papeete office, emphasizing the profound risks associated with the practice.
When directly questioned about the future possibility of deep-sea mining in French Polynesia, Brotherson firmly responded, “Over my dead body,” reiterating his unwavering opposition.
French Polynesia’s Stance and Autonomy
French Polynesia, an archipelago in the South Pacific, comprises over 100 islands, including well-known destinations like Tahiti and Bora Bora. Although officially under French sovereignty, the territory enjoys significant autonomy, possessing its own government, currency, and legal framework.
However, under its autonomous status, France retains ultimate jurisdiction over materials deemed “strategic,” including seabed minerals. President Brotherson’s administration is currently engaged in efforts to amend this statute.
Deep-Sea Mining: A “Lure” for Pacific Nations?
Elected in 2023, Brotherson, a member of the pro-independence Tāvini Huiraʻatira party, characterized deep-sea mining as an enticement for Pacific Island nations, who might perceive it as a “shortcut to improved social and economic conditions.”
Deep-sea mining involves the extraction of minerals and metals like nickel, cobalt, and copper from the deep seabed, at depths exceeding 200 meters. These resources are crucial components in numerous products, such as batteries, electronics, and renewable energy technologies.
Divided Opinions on Seabed Resource Extraction
Advocates contend that mining the deep sea will facilitate the transition to green energy and support economic development in Pacific Island nations. Conversely, critics warn of potentially catastrophic impacts on the seabed and emphasize the uncertain long-term repercussions for marine environments and ocean ecosystems.
Deep-sea mining has indeed created divisions among Pacific island governments. While some, like French Polynesia and Micronesia, oppose the concept, others, including the Cook Islands and Nauru, are actively pursuing partnerships with mining firms to diversify their economies.
International Deep-Sea Mining Activities
In February, the Cook Islands entered into a strategic partnership with China, encompassing collaboration on deep-sea mining exploration within the Cook Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). March saw a similar announcement from Kiribati, also indicating intent to explore a deep-sea mining partnership with China. Other major nations, including Russia and South Korea, hold exploration contracts, and industry players are pushing for the commencement of deep-sea mining operations.
French Polynesia’s Regional Concerns
Despite respecting the Cook Islands’ sovereign right to develop its seabed resources, President Brotherson expressed disagreement, stating, “From our viewpoint, it is deeply concerning as it establishes a precedent and overlooks the reality that undersea pollution is not confined by borders.” He highlighted the potential for pollution originating from mining activities in the Cook Islands to contaminate French Polynesian waters.
Expert Perspectives on Pacific Resource Development
Dr. Lorenz Gonschor, an expert in Pacific regionalism and governance at the University of the South Pacific, suggests that exploration of deep ocean resources is likely inevitable. He noted that for “large ocean nations,” this emerging practice grants Pacific Islands “significant importance regarding potentially vast economic resources.”
While French President Emmanuel Macron currently supports a ban on deep-sea mining, Brotherson fears this position might shift with a change in French leadership.
French Polynesia and Independence Aspirations
France’s relationship with its Pacific territories, including New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna, is complex. New Caledonia experienced significant unrest and protests last year prompted by French parliamentary proposals for voting reforms.
President Brotherson has publicly indicated he would consider holding an independence referendum for French Polynesia within the next 10 to 15 years.
However, France has shown no inclination towards decolonization for French Polynesia, rejecting independence appeals at the 2023 UN special committee on decolonization and maintaining a robust military presence in the islands. During his 2021 visit to French Polynesia, Macron emphasized strengthening the existing relationship.
Challenges and Future Paths
Gonschor acknowledged that independence for French Polynesia presents “significant challenges,” particularly given its history of economic subsidies and “superficial development” from France. Nevertheless, he believes independence remains a possibility within our lifetimes.
“From a geopolitical perspective, it’s inevitable. In the long term, France will not be able to sustain maintaining these overseas colonies.”
Brotherson is committed to a gradual approach to securing independence “the right way,” starting with enhancing French Polynesia’s “economic self-reliance.” This strategy includes promoting sustainable tourism and energy transition, alongside efforts to bolster the local agricultural sector and prioritize the digital economy.
“I would rather not witness independence in my time if it is rushed and executed incorrectly… It would be wonderful if I could see it, but it is not about me,” Brotherson concluded. “It is about the people of this nation.”