The CSFT is urging the Tongan government to seriously reconsider its involvement with TOML. Photo: WILLYAM
Pacific civil society is raising concerns over Tonga's involvement with Tonga Offshore Mining Limited (TOML).
The company, a subsidiary of the Metals Company, is interested in deep sea mining in Tongan waters.
An informational document has been issued by the Civil Society Forum of Tonga (CSFT), laying out issues around the short-term financial gain from deep sea mining versus what they say is a very real risk of long-term environmental degradation.
The CSFT launched its White Paper titled 'Critical Questions and Challenges of Deep-Sea Mining from the Kingdom of Tonga', last week.
Its interim executive director, Sesimani Lokotui, urged the Tongan government to seriously reconsider its involvement with TOML.
He wants the government to undertake a thorough and transparent evaluation of all potential consequences - environmental, financial, social, and legal - before embarking on a path of deep sea mining.
A recent public survey by CFST revealed a significant lack of awareness about deep sea mining activities within Tongan and international waters.
According to the report, titled 'All that glitters is not gold', Tonga's vibrant culture, pristine ecosystems, and people's well-being are at stake.
"Tonga's vibrant culture, pristine ecosystems, and the well-being of its people are at stake," the report reveals.
"The potential losses to current and future generations far outweigh the speculative income from DSM, which comes with enormous environmental and societal risks.
"Disassociating from the current contract with Tonga Offshore Mining Limited may have some costs, but they pale in comparison to the price Tonga could pay for pursuing deep sea mining."
The group hopes to work with the government to find different development paths for Tonga.