Fiji continues to support a moratorium on deep-sea mining until it obtains a comprehensive scientific report. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stressed the necessity for scientific backing and confirmed that the government will take NGOs’ concerns into account in their decision-making process.
Fiji has reaffirmed its commitment to a moratorium on deep-sea mining (DSM) until further scientific assessments clarify the potential impacts of this industry. In a recent press interview, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka emphasized the importance of basing governmental decisions on rigorous scientific evidence. Without comprehensive data, he stated, it is too uncertain to justify lifting the ban on DSM.
Rabuka compared the current stance on deep-sea mining with the previous case concerning the Fukushima nuclear wastewater, highlighting the necessity of scientific backing. He acknowledged that there are calls from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) advocating for a complete ban on DSM, noting that the government will review these opinions before making any decisions. Ultimately, he reiterated that the final decision will lie with the government, not external parties.
In summary, Fiji maintains its support for the moratorium on deep-sea mining until sufficient scientific research is available. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka reiterated the government’s reliance on scientific data to inform such decisions and indicated that concerns from NGOs will be considered before any action is taken. The government remains committed to evidence-based policymaking.
Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj
