Soil salinization and disappearing shorefronts

Small islanders from all parts of the world have been the strongest advocates for action against climate change. Indeed, Climate Frontlines grew from a previous mailing list dedicated to small islands where concerns about climate change were regularly voiced. In this posting, we focus on two Climate Frontlines projects in the Pacific. But first, a perspective from the Indian Ocean shows us that small islands from different regions share similar concerns.

"What you can see here is erosion in action now. The sand near the trees has started moving out. The whole beach is eroded from there. The roots will die, and palm trees will fall down." Ahmed Nihad, Chief, Huraa island, Maldives in a 2010 report from Maxims News Network.

Tuo climate change study

Tuo village of Fenualoa, Reef Islands, Solomon Islands, Pacific

Tuo is the name of a village on one of the Reef Islands of the Solomon Islands. Its population of over 500 people are mainly subsistence farmers and fishermen who have observed the steady erosion of their sea front. Upon the initiative of a Pacific youth, Lawrence Nodua, the community of Tuo will engage in the documentation of their traditional knowledge, including their observations of weather patterns, geographic locations and changes in their shoreline and the impact of these on their livelihoods. With this information, they hope to initiate the sharing of successful strategies and innovations among different stakeholders.

Impacts of sea on Krangket Island communities and economy

Community of Krangket Island, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea, Pacific

Krangket Island has a total population of about 3,500 inhabitants comprised of four clans. The islanders are experiencing several problems. The waterfront directly exposed to ocean currents and sea wave action is being eroded away at a high rate. Food gardens are not able to provide for families’ subsistence due to an increase in soil saline levels, and the inundation of their subsistence farm lands. The islanders’ only hope for survival may eventually be relocation to the mainland of Madang. However, identification of a suitable piece of land for relocation will be a major hurdle, due to the customary ownership of land in Papua New Guinea. It may take years to negotiate with landowners before a suitable site is identified. The Foundation for People and Community Development will work with the Krangket Islanders to undertake video documentation of Krangket Islanders’ adaptation to the threat of sea level rise, farmland inundation and sea front erosion. It will demonstrate how people on the island are coping with these changes, identify changes in the people’s daily lives and seek their views about relocation. A disaster preparedness plan will also be produced in collaboration with representatives from all four clans.