September 17th, 2024
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) hearing on Trans Tasman Resources' seabed mining proposal in Taranaki is drawing global attention, with the Australian company's plan to extract 50 million tonnes of sand annually for 30 years sparking widespread opposition, Greenpeace New Zealand said in a media release on Thursday. The implications of the hearing could have far-reaching consequences beyond New Zealand's shores.
The big picture: Setting a global precedent
Greenpeace Aotearoa's spokesperson, Juressa Lee, highlighted in the organisation's statement the potential for the Taranaki proposal to set a dangerous global precedent. As commercial seabed mining is currently unprecedented globally, approval in Taranaki could pave the way for similar projects worldwide, posing risks to marine ecosystems and indigenous livelihoods.
Sign and share the petition👇✊https://t.co/1sdAeTwU9d
— Greenpeace Aotearoa (@GreenpeaceNZ) March 15, 2024
Zoom in: Vocal local and indigenous opposition
According to the Greenpeace media release, strong opposition from mana whenua is evident at the EPA hearing in Hāwera. Indigenous communities are standing firm to protect the marine life of the South Taranaki Bight and their sovereign rights, demonstrating the significant environmental and cultural stakes involved.
Details: The environmental and cultural impact
Greenpeace's statement further outlines the broader concerns over environmental damage and the impact on indigenous peoples' rights and lifestyles. The organisation calls for a shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly practices, with indigenous knowledge playing a pivotal role in this transition.
What they're saying: Advocating for change
In the media release, Lee calls attention to the need to move away from harmful extractive industries, citing their role in biodiversity loss, climate crisis acceleration, and the deepening of inequality. She urges a transition towards systems that harmonise with nature and promote a circular economy.
Between the lines: Legal hurdles and advocacy efforts
Trans Tasman Resources' consent for seabed mining, previously quashed by three courts, faces significant scrutiny, Greenpeace noted. The Supreme Court has tasked the company with proving the proposal will not cause material harm. Greenpeace and Kiwis Against Seabed Mining (KASM) are highlighting gaps in the application, including a lack of comprehensive marine life surveys in the South Taranaki Bight.
What's next: Ongoing resistance and legal scrutiny
As the hearing proceeds with further submissions expected in April, Greenpeace's campaign against seabed mining continues. The organisation has raised concerns over the potential for such projects to be fast-tracked under new legislation, underscoring the complex interplay between environmental advocacy, legal battles, and policy development.
The bottom line: A watershed moment for environmental stewardship
This hearing represents a critical moment in the debate over seabed mining, indigenous rights, and environmental protection, as highlighted by Greenpeace. The decision made in Taranaki could influence international policy on marine resource extraction and conservation efforts for years to come.