The government of Kiribati has announced its support for incumbent Michael Lodge in the upcoming International Seabed Authority (ISA) Secretary General election, highlighting his deep connections with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and his commitment to sustainable ocean resource management.
“We need the ocean for our prosperity, but we must also take care of it, because we are the ocean,” the statement emphasised.
Kiribati highlighted the importance of a principled, rule-based approach in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and reiterated its stance on sustainable ocean use over destructive deep-sea operations.
“Kiribati believes that there is a common sense of purpose for all when it comes to managing the mineral resources of the seabed for the shared benefit of humankind,” the statement read, quoting Pacific scholar Epeli Hau’ofa: “We are the sea, we are the ocean.”
During the 29th ISA Assembly meeting in Jamaica, Kiribati and other developing nations stressed a principled approach under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Kiribati praised Lodge’s strong connections with Small Island Developing States (SIDS), noting his work in the Pacific region as a testament to his commitment to their aspirations.
“Kiribati advocates for the sustainable use of ocean resources as opposed to destructive deep-sea operations for economic gains.
“The precautionary pause to the possible mineral-related operation is inseparable from the principle of sustainable use of ocean resources.
“Our message is simple: we need the ocean for our prosperity but yes, we must also take care of it, because we are the ocean,” said the Kiribati Government statement.
