Local non-governmental organisations yesterday conducted a presentation on the potential environmental and socio-cultural impacts of the impending exploitation of the seabed, focusing on human interaction with the environment.

Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau and Te Ipukarea Society along with the Ocean Ancestors collective presented to Apii Avarua students.

Drawing on the theme for the year 7 and 8 students, “human interaction with the environment and how it affects people”, the environmental NGOs presented scientific evidence to reveal the life that exists on the seabed and the threat to the wider ecosystem through mining the seabed. This included the “remarkable discovery” that nodules produce oxygen.

According to the NGOs, the ongoing devastation that human interaction has caused to the environment through development activities such as mining was shared as a significant concern, “which has negatively impacted the lives of people all over the world”.

Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau chair and marine biologist, Dr Teina Rongo, shared about the cost to the environment, marine life and our way of life as indigenous Māori as a result of the potential revenue that could be derived from the extractive industry.

The organisation also shared about the difference between “harvesting” and “mining”.

“The implication of the term harvesting means that the nodules will come back and there is minimal harm. Mining on the other hand is the more appropriate term as there will be unavoidable damage and harm to the environment no matter the scale.”

Dr Rongo highlighted evidence to show that the extraction of nodules from 1979 “had not re-harvested” upon investigation during a 2023 expedition – over 40 years later.

“It was encouraging to learn that the students knew much about the negative impacts of deep sea mining even before our presentation,” he said.

During the presentation, Te Ipukarea Society launched two new children’s books: “Treasures of the Deep”, which highlights the value of polymetallic nodules for marine life and the wider ecosystem, and “Unbroken”, which explores the cycles of life.

Society president June Hosking said the idea for the books came to her later last year after children from primary and secondary schools told her they were being told that seabed minerals would make them all rich and help with climate change.

“They couldn’t tell me how, except to say, something to do with EVs (electric vehicles),” Hosking said.

She also heard seabed referred to as “just a desert, only a few worms, nothing to worry about, just like kutu (which gives the impression it’s something one should get rid of)”.

“The second book for over nine years old, although it may look like a child’s picture book, it requires deep thinking. Much like an animated movie for children, but adults see the hidden meanings,” said Hosking, a former school principal.

“If I were still teaching Year 11 science, I would use for the discussions at the back, but also the simple visuals help to explain something that many know, but don’t really comprehend.”

Louisa Castledine of Ocean Ancestors said: “Our future is bright, our kids grasp the key themes and ideas around deep sea mining and raise valid questions as well as provided insightful learnings from the last couple of days.”
“What is crucial is our Tamariki are presented with a balanced approach, it ensures our Tamariki can make informed decisions about the future they want and see for themselves and generations to follow.

“Well done, Apii Avarua, for engaging on a very important and pivotal topic that will reverberate for many generations to come.”

If any schools on Rarotonga wish to learn more about deep sea mining or other environmental topics, contact Jackie Rongo at 73560 or korerooteorau@gmail.com or Te Ipukarea Society at te.ipukarea.society.inc@gmail.com.