Upcoming Seminar: Dr. Isoa Korovulavula - The Voice of Our Elders on Deep Sea Mining

On May 12, Dr. Isoa Korovulavula (University of the South Pacific), associate investigator on the Mining the Sea project, will be visiting the University of Canterbury to present the seminar “The voice of our Pacific elders on deep sea mining: Implications on the marine environment, economic, social and cultural livelihoods of their collective ocean family”.

This seminar will address how deep-sea mining (DSM) is linked to dangers to the marine ecosystem. Concerns include the impact of DSM on the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon, the uncertain effects on marine biodiversity, marine food sources, and cultural identity by eroding the cosmological worldviews of Pacific people. Furthermore, impacts include changes to resource access, employment opportunities, public health, social cohesion, and intergenerational equity. While some arguments focus on recycling and the circular economy, the challenge for Pacific Island countries is that these approaches are not simple or readily accessible, particularly given the extremely high initial capital costs required.

We look forward to welcoming Dr. Korovulavula to present to the University of Canterbury community this coming week!