A group of Pasifika youth have a message to the world leaders: ban seabed mining and protect the moana of the Pacific. The leaders helped Greenpeace Aotearoa launch the social media campaign, Oceanic Voices (#oceanicvoices) last night.
Greenpeace Aotearoa seabed mining campaigner James Hita says Oceanic Voices encourages Māori and Pasifika communities to support a ban on seabed mining in Aotearoa and the Pacific.
“This is about the rights of indigenous peoples across the world, and especially in the Pacific where communities are the first to feel the impacts of climate inaction. Together with indigenous leaders we are taking action, and sharing with our communities what needs to be done to stop deep sea mining.”
Broadcaster Tina Maro, one of the social media and community leaders, says Oceanic Voices provides the perfect opportunity for Māori and Pasifika to engage with this issue.
“There isn’t much written about this issue to our people; especially young Māori and Pasifika peoples. So, this social media launch is perfect for that. It will engage the issues with them but the messages are also coming from people who they will know and recognise.”
Oceanic Voices launched on the respective social media platforms last night and will be shared on Greenpeace Aotearoa’s social media channels.
Image credit: Greenpeace Aotearoa / Facebook