“Protect What Has Protected Us”: Pacific Voice Rises Against Deep-Sea Mining Risks

Moemoana Schwenke, a former Miss Samoa, Miss Pacific Islands, and UNICEF Pacific Ambassador, has issued a strong call for Pacific Islanders to unite against deep-sea mining. She warns that this emerging industry poses a grave threat to the ocean, which has sustained Pacific communities for millennia and is central to their identity, culture, and heritage.

“

From every shoreline, she is the same ocean. As Pacific peoples, we are connected by our Moana. Our genealogies are woven through her tides and islands.

Schwenke articulated the profound connection Pacific peoples have with the ocean, referred to as Moana. "From every shoreline, she is the same ocean. As Pacific peoples, we are connected by our Moana. Our genealogies are woven through her tides and islands," she stated. She emphasized that the ocean is not merely a resource but the very essence of their being, having nurtured ancestors since time immemorial.

“

The ocean is not just where we live, she is who we are. She has carried and cared for our ancestors since time immemorial.

Highlighting the irreversible harm deep-sea mining could inflict, Schwenke cautioned against exploiting the ocean's deepest places for short-term economic gain. "We risk destroying ancient ecosystems we are only beginning to understand, for something that can never replace the living ocean we stand to lose," she warned. She urged communities to heed the wisdom of their ancestors by safeguarding the ocean for future generations, ensuring it remains abundant with life and beauty.

“

Today her deepest places are under threat from deep sea mining, an irreversible harm for the sake of short-term gain. We risk destroying ancient ecosystems we are only beginning to understand, for something that can never replace the living ocean we stand to lose.

Schwenke encouraged widespread engagement, urging people to educate themselves about deep-sea mining, share their personal connections to the ocean, and actively advocate for its protection. "Our Moana has given us everything. Now we must protect what has always protected us. Stop deep sea mining. Learn why it matters. Share your ocean story. Because people protect what they love," she concluded.

“

We must honour the wisdom of our ancestors by protecting the ocean that has always protected and sustained us. We must ensure future generations inherit a Moana still abundant with life, beauty and wonder.