Deep-Sea Mining: Pacific Perspectives

As the second webinar in the YCAPS Pacific Connect series, we are pleased to discuss the state of deep-sea mining efforts in the Pacific. While explorations for mining nodules of critical minerals on the sea floor have been ongoing for recent years, but the U.S. president's recent moves to authorize exploration and mining outside the International Seabed Authority has brought it into the forefront of discussions again. These discussions, however, are often dominated by Western voices. To highlight Pacific Islander perspectives on these developments, YCAPS is honored to host Mr. Charles Ala'ilima of American Samoa and Ms. Rima Browne of the Cook Islands. Mr. Ala'ilima will speak on the recent U.S. directives for deep-sea mining in American Samoa, a U.S. territory, from legal perspectives. Ms. Browne will speak on the scientific and policy developments for deep-sea mining in the Cook Islands, a sovereign nation in the South Pacific. Following their presentations, we will open up the discussion to audience Q&A. We hope to see you there!

To join use this link to register with Zoom

You will need the link and passcode provided in the confirmation email.

This event is a part of YCAPS' Pacific Connect webinar series.

Speakers:

Charles Ala'ilima is an Attourney at Law in American Samoa. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the NGO Right to Democracy.

Rima Browne is a Cook Islands geographer working in the Knowledge Management Division at Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority. Her main role focuses on managing and reviewing seabed data to help build maps, improve national data resources, and provide technical advice that supports decision making. She has also taken part in offshore voyages as both a scientist and an inspector, supports compliance work, and regularly participates in community consultations to help share information and hear local perspectives. Rima is passionate about making complex ocean science easier to understand, and about ensuring Pacific voices and communities are part of conversations around this emerging Cook Islands sector.

Format: This event will be recorded and published in our web archive. Questions are encouraged during the live event.

Registration: Required Link

Moderator: Jenna J Lindeke Heavenrich

Webinar Cost: Free of charge