In a significant step towards ensuring sustainable management of seabed resources, the National Environment Service (NES) has completed the Environment (Seabed Mineral Activities) Regulations 2023, recently promulgated by the Executive Council to becoming law. The development of the regulations have taken years of thorough drafting.
This milestone marks a crucial moment in the preservation and responsible utilisation of oceanic ecosystems.
The Minister of NES, the Honorable Minister Albert Nicholas affirmed; “I am immensely proud to announce the release of the Environment (Seabed Mineral Activities) Regulations 2023 in the Cook Islands. This landmark achievement marks a significant step forward in our commitment to responsible and sustainable management of our marine resources.”
The NES, working in collaboration with the Seabed Mineral Authority, experts and the community has devoted considerable time and effort to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework that governs the exploration and harvesting of mineral resources from the seabed. The newly formulated regulations seek to strike a delicate balance between economic development and safeguarding our fragile marine environment.
Seabed minerals, include valuable resources such as copper, manganese, and cobalt and hold potential for various industries, ranging from electronics to renewable energy. However, their extraction can pose significant risks to marine biodiversity and ecosystems if not properly regulated. Recognising this, the NES has taken a proactive approach to establish regulations that ensure the protection of these vital ecosystems.
Furthermore, NES is developing in-house processes and documents to guide and strengthen the implementation of the Regulations. NES staff members have also been undergoing in-house and external capacity building training over the years to ensure competency in monitoring seabed activities. All the documents we have used are publicly available in some form. Additionally, NES is entitled to reach out for advice and assistance as it sees fit.
The Environment Regulations encompass aspects related to seabed mineral activities including environmental assessments, applicable standards and guidelines and monitoring compliance and enforcement. These regulations aim to create a transparent and accountable system that encourages safe and responsible practices within the industry.
Honorable Minister Albert Nicholas asserts that the regulations reflect our dedication to safeguarding the delicate ecosystems of our seabed while promoting the long-term well-being of our communities. “I commend the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in developing these regulations, and I am confident that they will serve as a model for other nations facing similar challenges.”
One of the key provisions of the regulations is the requirement for thorough environmental impact assessments prior to granting any exploration or harvesting licenses. By conducting these assessments, potential risks to marine ecosystems and biodiversity can be identified, and necessary measures can be put in place to mitigate them.
Additionally, the NES will play a crucial role in monitoring and enforcing compliance with the regulations. Regular inspections and audits will be carried out to ensure that mining operations adhere to the established environmental standards. Any instances of non-compliance will be subject to appropriate penalties and legal consequences.
The completion of the Environment Regulations highlights the NES’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. These regulations serve as a vital tool to strike a balance between economic prosperity and the conservation of marine ecosystems, ensuring that future generations can benefit from the Earth’s resources without compromising the planet’s natural heritage.
With the implementation of these regulations, the NES envisions a future where all seabed mineral activities’ are conducted through a strong regulatory legal framework in minimising the any likelihood of potential impact on the marine ecosystem, while maximising the benefits for society. By setting robust standards and best environmental practices in fostering a culture of environmental consciousness.
As the world continues to recognise the importance of safeguarding our oceans, the completion of the Environment Regulations by the National Environment Service stands as a significant milestone in the global effort to protect and conserve marine ecosystems.
