Suva, Fiji, 25th February 2025 - The Pacific Islands Forum successfully concluded its first-ever Ministerial Talanoa on Deep Sea Minerals (DSM), marking a significant step in strengthening regional engagement on seabed minerals governance. Held at the PIF Secretariat in Suva from 18 – 21 February, the DSM Talanoa brought together three Pacific Islands Forum Leaders, nine Ministers and senior government representatives, reflecting the region’s high-level political commitment to shaping the future of DSM.
Over three days, technical discussions among senior officials, regional (CROP) agencies and experts laid the groundwork for a Ministerial-level exchange on the opportunities and challenges of DSM development. The evolving global DSM landscape was a central focus, particularly ongoing negotiations at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) on potential exploitation regulations for the international seabed (the Area). With commercial interest increasing, Forum members agreed on the importance of regional coordination to ensure Pacific nations are not only aligned but actively shaping global DSM policy.
Representing the Cook Islands, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Honourable Sonny Williams, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to responsible DSM governance while calling for a measured, science-based approach that continues to uphold the sovereign rights of all Pacific nations – “The Cook Islands remains steadfast in applying the precautionary approach, underpinned by science, international best practices, and public engagement. As we mark 60 years of self-government, we’ve worked to reinforce the steel of our sovereignty—investing in strong institutions, legal frameworks, and governance systems to ensure we stand firmly on our own two feet. Therefore, any decision on DSM will be considered, informed, and accountable to our people and future generations,” said Minister Williams.
A key outcome of the Talanoa was consensus on strengthening science, data, and traditional knowledge as the foundation for DSM governance. Ministers supported the establishment of an independent regional knowledge hub to consolidate information, including a new seabed minerals atlas and a study on potential transboundary impacts. There was broad recognition that while some countries have advanced DSM frameworks, others are in the early stages, underscoring the importance of regional knowledge-sharing to enable informed decision-making.
The Cook Islands, drawing on two decades of DSM regulatory experience, joined other Forum members in highlighting opportunities to bridge knowledge gaps and support capacity-building efforts. The technical sessions further enabled the Cook Islands to share national expertise in regulatory alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the ISA, independent environmental monitoring, and strategies for balancing economic benefits with Pacific values. Ministers further recognized CROP agencies as critical partners in scientific research, policy development, and capacity building, ensuring regional DSM cooperation aligns with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific.
Looking ahead, officials have been tasked with developing options for a regional DSM approach, which will be presented to Forum Leaders at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands, later this year.
Reflecting on the 2023 decision by Leaders in Rarotonga to convene this Talanoa, Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown commended the collective efforts of his fellow Leaders in delivering this long-standing priority. “Our region faces critical considerations relating to DSM, and our decisions must be based on a common understanding of credible, regionally relevant information. This first Talanoa was a success—not only because of the high level of political engagement but because of the open, constructive, and forward-looking discussions that took place. As we look ahead to the ISA Council sessions in July, it is critical that we sustain this momentum, ensuring that Pacific nations remain in control of our ocean resources and our future,” PM Brown concluded.
The Talanoa was chaired by Dr. ‘Uhulamoelangi Fasi, Tonga’s Minister of Lands, Survey, Planning, and Natural Resources, and supported by PIF Secretary General Baron Waqa and Pacific Oceans Commissioner Dr. Filimon Manoni. Minister Williams was supported by senior officials from the Seabed Minerals Authority and the Cook Islands High Commission in Suva.
Link to Statement delivered by Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Honourable Sonny Williams: https://mfai.gov.ck/important-resources
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