A new global campaign, inspired by the documentary Deep Rising, is mobilizing individuals worldwide to prevent environmental damage caused by deep-sea mining. With an innovative strategy leveraging blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), the campaign seeks to raise awareness and rally public support against industrial extraction of minerals from the deep ocean.
The campaign's core argument is based on the United Nations' Convention on the Law of the Sea, which recognizes the deep seabed as the "common heritage of humankind." Advocates argue that mining the ocean floor for critical minerals—such as cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements—poses a severe threat to marine biodiversity and could have irreversible ecological consequences.
As part of the campaign, individuals are invited to digitally "claim" sections of the seabed using NFTs, which serve as symbolic ownership of the ocean floor, reinforcing the message that these areas belong to everyone, not private corporations. Organizers hope this interactive approach will engage younger generations and amplify the movement’s visibility.
Seabed mining has been a contentious issue, with supporters arguing that the demand for minerals required for green technologies—such as batteries for electric vehicles—necessitates alternative sources beyond terrestrial mining. However, critics, including prominent oceanographers and environmentalists, argue that deep-sea ecosystems remain largely unexplored and that mining operations could destroy habitats before scientists even understand their importance.
The campaign is gaining traction among environmental groups, ocean activists, and even some policymakers. Countries such as France, Germany, and New Zealand have called for a global moratorium on deep-sea mining, urging caution until more research is conducted.
With digital advocacy playing an increasingly significant role in environmental movements, Deep Rising’s campaign could mark a turning point in global efforts to protect the seabed. Whether it results in binding policy changes remains to be seen, but it is clear that public resistance to deep-sea mining is growing.
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