Vatican enters seabed mining debate
The decision to mine iron sand off the Taranaki coast has reached all the way to the landlocked Vatican City.
Pope Francis’ representatives down under, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, said the approval granted to Trans Tasman Resources last Thursday was concerning.
The Catholic organisation submitted on the application in October quoting Pope Francis’ message that ‘‘intervention in nature can have consequences which are not immediately evident’’.
Vacuuming 50 million tonnes of sea bed had short term gains but led to long term ruin, it said.
Caritas director Julianne Hickey said it had highlighted the impacts of offshore seabed mining in the Pacific.
‘‘Caritas believes that the EPA’s consent to extract iron ore sands did not give appropriate and reasonable consider- ation of the impact on people, communities, amenity values, social, economic, aesthetic and cultural conditions essential to an integral ecology,’’ she said.
‘‘In other words, the EPA’s decision making committee’s approach failed to consider that when it comes to care for our common home, interconnected.’’
Hickey said the EPA’s failure to meet face-to-face with iwi did not make for what Pope Francis would consider an ‘‘authentic encounter’’.
‘‘Consultation with local iwi and communities is essential and should be done before any consent is granted.’’
Hickey addressed the United Nations in July on protecting the oceans.
Hickey said the decision was centred on uncertainty and hinged on a single casting vote due to interpretative disputes and conflicting arguments.
There are long-established interests within the coastal marine area and current claims by iwi under the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act and New Zealand’s international commitments are yet to be taken into account, she said.
Caritas hoped the well-being of the environment was fully considered, she said. everything is