Fiji, Feb. 20 -- Tonga's Minister of Lands, Survey, Planning, and Natural Resources, Dr 'Uhilamoelangi Fasi, has called for a responsible and collaborative approach to deep-sea mining (DSM), warning that decisions made today will shape the future of the Pacific.

Speaking at the Deep-Sea Minerals Technical Meeting at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fasi emphasised that the region must balance economic opportunities with environmental stewardship.

"This meeting is a crucial step in our collective efforts to manage deep-sea minerals (DSM) responsibly. As we gather here today, we do so with a clear mandate from our Leaders, who have recognised the importance of regional dialogue on DSM," he told officials and technical expert...