On February 27, the European Union voted on a text expanding the list of environmental crimes and harmonizing sanctions in the European Union. In early February, International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan proposed to prosecute environmental crimes without modifying its statute, arguing that environmental damage is often a cause or consequence of war crimes or crimes against humanity, over which it already has jurisdiction. In The Manifesto Against Environmental Corruption published by Érick Bonnier Editions, Shérazade ZaiterShérazade Zaiter, an international lawyer specializing in business and environmental law and teaching at the University of Limoges, explores these issues.
She denounces crimes that exacerbate the environmental crisis and highlights those who try to fight this corruption. Here is an excerpt from the book dedicated to the tragic fate of Nauru, a small Pacific island that vividly illustrates the consequences of environmental corruption:
The Republic of Nauru, a tiny jewel lost in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, chillingly illustrates the consequences of environmental corruption. Known as the “country that ate itself,” located nearly 4,835 kilometers from Australia, it spans only 22 square kilometers.
Its central plateau is surrounded by a coastal strip where most of its population resides. The source of its misfortune began in 1906 when vast phosphate deposits were discovered on this plateau. Its horn of plenty opened Pandora’s box, marking the beginning of Nauru’s slow demise.
Phosphate, a precious salt used in manufacturing fertilizers and explosives, is rich in phosphorusphosphorus, an essential element for plant growth that increases crop yields. This mineral deposit, with the world’s highest quality, covers 70% of the island.
From Prosperity to Collapse
Initially exploited by German colonists, Australia took over in 1914, controlling the island until 1968. In that year, Nauru became the smallest republic in the world. Its independenceNauru experienced unprecedented economic prosperity brought about by the export of phosphate. By 1974, the country had the world’s second-highest gross domestic product per capita, generating 225 million Australian dollars. Nauru established a tax-free welfare state model where education, transportation, healthcare, and housing were fully covered by the government at no cost to its citizens.
In the early 1990s, Nauru’s economy entered a crisis due to the decline in phosphate reserves. Despite government investments in real estate to counter this situation, they proved to be disastrous. Scandals of embezzlement and corruption involving politicians and influential figures erupted, contributing to the deterioration of infrastructure and public services.
Political decisions facilitated the granting of favorable contracts to foreign companies in exchange for favors, leading to disastrous consequences. With an increase in foreclosures, a collapse of industry, and a series of governments, Nauru was forced to develop various strategies to restore its finances.
This included money laundering foreign currency, selling passports, and even hosting paid irregular migrants, attracting negative attention from organizations such as the UN, OECD, and Amnesty International.
**Defaced Landscapes**
The most common mining method was open-pit mining, involving the removal of layers of soil, sand, and rocks covering phosphate deposits. Heavy machinery like excavators and bulldozers was used to extract the phosphate rocks.
The landscapes were deeply altered, with vast deforested areas and craters left by phosphate extraction. Trench mining was preferred when phosphate deposits were close to the surface. Trenches were dug to reach the phosphate layers, removing soil and sand layers using excavators, leading to significant environmental impacts with major disruptions to the landscape and soils.
Marine dredging was used to extract phosphates from marine deposits near Nauru. This technique involved using boats equipped with dredging devices to suction marine sediments containing phosphate. The sediment mixture was then processed to extract phosphate, significantly disturbing marine ecosystems, affecting marine fauna and flora.Modifications in Coastal Habitat
Soil and Water Pollution
Recently, in-situ dissolution recovery has been utilized. This technique involves injecting a chemical solution into phosphate layers to dissolve it. The solution is then pumped and treated. While this method has reduced direct environmental damage, it has led to issues in managing chemical waste, resulting in soil and groundwater pollution. The environmental consequences are unimaginable.
80% of the land is devastated, and 40% of coral reefs are dead. The once rich and diverse ecosystems are severely altered. Natural habitats, which have been home to a variety of plant and animal species for millennia, are now fragmented. Toxic residues such as heavy metals and harmful chemicals seep into previously flourishing lands. The now sterile and depleted soils, susceptible to erosion, give way to a sad desertification. Rivers that were once clear and vibrant are tainted, their purity transformed into a murky mirror of contamination.
The once vibrant coral belt is now just a shadow of itself. Mining discharge has degraded marine habitats. The once rich and thriving marine biodiversity has been silenced. As if that weren’t enough, Nauru’s geographical location makes the country particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, a direct consequence of climate change. Sooner or later, the residents will have to leave their island for their own survival. Another question will then arise: which country will welcome them with open arms?
Health Disaster
Beyond the visible damages, the environmental ravages have also affected local communities. The economic dependence brought by this precious resource has proven to be a burdensome weight. Poor management has created excessive reliance on the importation of goods and food products. The island has undergone too rapid a transition to a sedentary lifestyle.
Added
With a diet heavily reliant on imported products high in sugars and fats, the well-being and health of the inhabitants are directly affected. This results in a concerning increase in obesity and associated diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Nauru has become one of the countries most affected by obesity, displaying one of the highest rates worldwide. Smoking is also prevalent, with 47% regular smokers. Infant, child, and adult mortality rates are high, with an average life expectancy of 55 years, 49 for men. The island’s natural environment, which has deteriorated significantly, no longer allows its 14,000 inhabitants to engage in physical activities and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Accepting Corruption or Perishing
The island of Nauru reminds us of the tragic consequences of irresponsible exploitation of natural resources. This unconscious management has led to a spiral of corruption and compromises, jeopardizing the stability and development of the island. To ensure its survival and safeguard its future, it faces a tough dilemma: accepting corruption or perishing.
Its precarious economic state opens the door to all kinds of questionable compromises and transactions. A striking example is the monthly payment made to the eighteen parliamentarians comprising its National Assembly. This money comes from Taiwan’s coffers and serves as a bribe to thank Nauru for recognizing Taiwan as a sovereign and independent nation.
This is a common practice in the Pacific islands, established by Asian countries to garner favor from the 11 micro-island states in the region. This strategy allows them to secure the support of these nations during crucial votes at the United Nations General Assembly. Other examples include Russia’s promise to repair Nauru’s dilapidated port. In exchange for this work, the island agreed to recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia, two autonomous regions of Georgia invaded by Russia in 2008, as independent territories.
Nauru demonstrates that environmental degradation affects the right to life, health, work, and education. Due to its small size and lack of available data, it is not included in the corruption perception index. It is challenging to obtain a comprehensive and accurate picture of its corruption levels.
Its small size and population could present opportunities to implement more transparent governance measures and more effective anti-corruption mechanisms. The country could thus enhance trust and transparency within international institutions, solidifying citizens’ confidence and ensuring responsible public affairs management.