A stakeholder engagement conference on deep seabed mining took place last Friday at the University of Ghana geared towards promoting sustainable management of deep sea resources. The event which was organised by Sustainable Ocean Alliance Ghana Hub (SOA Ghana Hub) brought together a diverse assembly of researchers, academics, and representatives from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to discuss the critical scientific and legal issues surrounding deep seabed mining and its implications.
Discussions at the forum were led by experts from University of Cape Coast including Lawyer Solomon Faakye, the Head of Legal and General Counsel of the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Isaac Okyere, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, School of Biological Sciences and Charles Smith, a conservationist and member of SOA Ghana hub.
During the meeting, Lawyer Solomon Faakye, expressed grave concerns about the potential consequences of deep seabed mining for developing countries. Faakye emphasized that deep sea resources, considered a common heritage of mankind, are at risk of being inequitably distributed. He highlighted the inadequacies in the current regime established by the International Seabed Authority, noting that the terms for equitable distribution of these resources remain unaddressed, and the mechanisms for benefit distribution are still unknown.
Complementing Faakye’s legal perspective, scientist Dr. Isaac Okyere, warned of the environmental repercussions of deep sea mining. Dr. Okyere pointed out that such activities could lead to the destruction of coral reefs and marine biodiversity. He underscored the fact that many developing countries, including Ghana, lack comprehensive knowledge about the biodiversity present in their waters and the potential impacts of deep sea mining. Dr. Okyere cited recent discoveries of previously undocumented deep sea floor creatures in Ghanaian waters as a testament to the rich, yet fragile, marine ecosystems at risk.
Deep sea mining, a method used to access growing demand for resources such as rare earth elements, copper, nickel and cobalt poses significant threats to the ocean and its ecosystems.
So far, 27 countries have joined the global call for a moratorium on deep sea bed mining.
It is essential that “African governments represented by the African group at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) reject this practice and instead pursue sustainable alternatives and join the call for moratorium,” said Gideon Sarpong, founder of SOA Ghana hub.
The discussions reflected a broader consensus among environmental advocates. Representatives from environmental organizations present also joined the call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining until thorough research is conducted to understand its full impact.
The event, organized by SOA Ghana Hub, underscored the urgent need for a cautious and informed approach to deep seabed mining, prioritizing environmental conservation and equitable resource distribution.
The conference was a significant step towards shaping a sustainable and equitable maritime policy, ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders were heard and considered in the global discourse on deep seabed mining.
