Call for Transparency in Suva Workshop

Pacific civil society groups are urging the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to avoid ‘bluewashing’ deep-sea mining during a workshop in Suva, Fiji, held on 19th May 2026.

Concerns have been raised by the Pacific Regional Non-Government Organisations (PRNGO) about the ‘Deep Seabed Sustainable Blue Growth Initiative’ workshop potentially favouring states interested in deep-sea mining.

The PRNGO Alliance, which includes over 20 organisations such as the Pacific Conference of Churches and Greenpeace Australia Pacific, criticised the workshop for limiting Pacific Island Developing States to observer roles, potentially sidelining crucial environmental voices.

Joey Tau, Chair of the PRNGO Alliance, expressed, “We are extremely concerned that the current agenda is inappropriate to the Pacific context; as it stands, it clearly centres states that have an interest in deep-sea mining.”

Environmental and Cultural Concerns

Reverend James Bhagwan, General-Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, emphasised cultural concerns, noting, “For Pacific peoples, there is nothing sustainable about deep-sea mining when it violates our cultural and spiritual connection to the ocean.”

Ms Vani Catanasiga, Executive Director of the Fiji Council of Social Services, questioned the exclusion of civil society from discussions, highlighting the need for a broader range of perspectives in addressing potential transboundary harm.

The PRNGO Alliance is urging the ISA to actively include civil society and community perspectives, prevent pro-mining bias, and focus on environmental protection rather than just economic gains.

Currently, 40 countries, including seven Pacific nations, have called for a moratorium or precautionary pause on deep-sea mining, underscoring the contentious nature of the issue.

The workshop marked the first day of discussions under the ‘Deep Seabed Sustainable Blue Growth Initiative,’ highlighting the regional demand for transparency and inclusion in policy-making.

Mr Joey Tau further stated, “Such regional workshops must ensure equal visibility and space for non-sponsoring States, particularly those advocating for precautionary approaches and environmental safeguards.”

The Pacific Regional Non-Government Organisations Alliance stressed that the workshop should not privilege only the perspectives of sponsoring States. They believe this could be perceived as legitimising or advancing deep-sea mining pathways in the Pacific.