Latest news with #JérémieKatidjoMonnier
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Officials ban controversial deep-sea activity in protected waters: 'A strong signal of commitment to future generations'
The waters surrounding a small South Pacific nation have been ruled to be off-limits from deep-sea mining for at least the next 50 years. As RFI reported, lawmakers in New Caledonia have passed a moratorium that bans commercial exploration, prospecting, and mining of mineral resources within the country's exclusive economic zone. The area spreads across over 500,000 square miles (1.3 million square kilometers), granting New Caledonia the right to protect the development of marine resources. Jérémie Katidjo Monnier, a New Caledonia government member, offered up an explanation of the legislation's significance. "Rather than giving in to the logic of immediate profit, New Caledonia can choose to be a pioneer in ocean protection," Katidjo Monnier said. "It is also a strategic lever to assert our environmental sovereignty in the face of multinationals and a strong signal of commitment to future generations," Katidjo Monnier added. New Caledonia is home to one of the largest barrier reefs on Earth, recognized as one of the world's most diverse and extensive coral reef systems. The lagoons and reefs support over 400 coral species, 1,700 fish species, and a vast array of other marine life, according to The Pew Charitable Trusts. They have become so vital to the ecosystem that six of the marine clusters have even been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Coral reefs are an important natural resource to humans and nearby wildlife. Coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion, offer the potential for jobs for local communities and their economy, and provide a diverse range of marine habitats for various species. Coral reefs are also essential for certain organisms used in pharmaceutical developments. In April 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order signaling America's "economic interest in maintaining leadership in deep-sea science and technology and seabed mineral resources." The order encourages deep-sea mining for mineral-rich nodules. Should we be harnessing the ocean to power our homes? Absolutely Leave it be It depends I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. However, Olivier Poivre d'Arvor, France's maritime ambassador, rebuked the plans made by Trump. "No one can claim the right to destroy the oceans, especially those over which they have no territorial rights," Poivre d'Arvor said in a press briefing, shared by France24. "This is the strict application of international law. The deep sea is not for sale." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
ABC News
08-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
New Caledonia introduces 50-year ban on deep sea mining over 1.3 million square kilometres
New Caledonia's congress has approved a deep sea mining moratorium for 50 years in its Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.3 million square kilometres. The moratorium prohibits exploration for mining purposes and bans all exploitation of the seabed, but scientific research will be encouraged to better understand deep sea mining and the impacted ocean areas. The country is home to one of the largest nickel industries in the world, a mineral that is also extracted from the seabed. The announcement of the ban coincides with US President Donald Trump's executive order announcement that deep sea mining projects should be fast-tracked and explored. The New Caledonia government said it was a coincidence as it's been discussing a moratorium for two years. Jérémie Katidjo Monnier, the New Caledonian Environment Minister, said the 50-year ban was imposed to protect the exceptional marine area, which is home to over 9,000 species living on its coral reef.
