The Philippines stands at the forefront of a historic opportunity to champion environmental stewardship and global equity by advocating for a moratorium on the devastating practice of deep-sea mining. Embracing such a moratorium would not only position the nation as a trailblazer in ocean conservation but also signify a bold stance against environmental exploitation in Asia. By taking decisive action to halt deep-sea mining, the Philippines would assert its leadership on the world stage and inspire other nations to follow suit in safeguarding our planet's precious marine ecosystems for future generations.

The deep-sea is a thriving hub of biodiversity, a major carbon sink and a treasure trove of marine genetic resources. Deep-sea mining, potentially the largest extractive operation in history, could severely compromise future discoveries for the global common good by destroying ecosystems and wiping out species, while any economic benefits would go only to a handful of stakeholders.

Local and global scientists warn against deep-sea mining due to its potentially irreversible impacts, exacerbated by insufficient scientific data. This practice could disproportionately benefit a select few countries while exacerbating global inequality by harming other economic sectors. Given the environmental degradation and socio-economic impacts already observed, halting deep-sea mining has become a critical global priority. 

A ban on deep-sea mining in national waters and a moratorium on deep-sea mining in international waters is crucial for several reasons:

• Environmental Protection & Climate Vulnerability: Deep-sea mining threatens ecosystems, causing irreversible harm and can exacerbate climate change by releasing stored carbon. The Philippines is recognized as the third most climate-vulnerable country in the world. Deep-sea mining could exacerbate these vulnerabilities by further degrading marine ecosystems, which provide coastal protection, fisheries, and livelihoods for coastal communities.
• Unknown Impacts: There is a lack of comprehensive scientific research on the long-term consequences of deep-sea mining. The Philippines lacks technical capacity or advancements to properly monitor, assess and evaluate the impacts of deep-sea mining in West Pacific regional waters where the Philippines would be most impacted.
• Global Commons: The deep-sea is considered part of the global commons, belonging to all humanity. Exploitation of deep-sea resources by one country can have implications for the sacred Indigenous lands, marine environment and biodiversity beyond national borders. 

In the context of a triple planetary crisis, minimal scientific understanding of the deep-sea, and global equity considerations, a moratorium on deep-sea mining is the only reasonable way forward.

Therefore, it is important to call on ministers to attend the ISA Council meeting and call for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. It's not too late for our governments to stop this destructive industry before it begins and commit to a healthy ocean for people and planet.

Seeing the urgency of this matter, Bantay Kita - Publish What You Pay Philippines is leading a petition urging the Government of the Republic of the Philippines to declare a moratorium on deep-sea mining in the Philippines and beyond.

Sign this petition!

*** When signing the petition, please add next to your name if you are a part of a National Civil Society Organizations or International Civil Society Organizations or a Concerned citizens (ex. First name, last name / (National Civil Society Organizations/International Civil Society Organizations/Concerned citizens) ***