New Caledonia has become the first territory in the world to establish a 50-year moratorium on seabed mining for nickel and other mineral resources. The legislative assembly unanimously supported the move, under which more than 1.3 million km² of ocean territory will officially become a zone free from industrial exploitation.
The decision is intended to protect unique marine ecosystems, including nearly one-third of all of the planet’s remaining untouched coral reefs. Scientists warn that deep-sea mining could cause irreversible damage, including the loss of species and the destruction of natural balances.
Against the backdrop of growing global demand for raw materials for technology, more than 20 countries are calling for moratoriums. New Caledonia went further, setting a record-length ban. New Caledonia’s decision stands out significantly from others — both in scale and duration. It raises an important question: is it possible to develop technology without destroying nature? And which values are we prepared to protect first?
