TATAKalikasan Ateneo de Manila University
Kiribati (pronounced /ˈkɪrɨbæs or KIRR-i-bas; Gilbertese: [ˈkiɾibas]), is composed of 32 atolls and one raised coral island, dispersed over 3.5 million square kilometres, (1,351,000 square miles) straddling the equator, and bordering the International Date Line at its easternmost point. Kiribati is the only country in the world located on both hemispheres and lying on both sides of the 180th meridian.
The groups of islands are:
* Banaba: an isolated island between Nauru and the Gilbert Islands
* Gilbert Islands: 16 atolls located some 930 miles (1,500 km) north of Fiji
* Phoenix Islands: 8 atolls and coral islands located some 1,100 miles (1,800 km) southeast of the Gilberts
* Line Islands: 8 atolls and one reef, located about 2,050 miles (3,300 km) east of the Gilberts.
Caroline Atoll channel between west side of Long Island and Nake Island.
Used for nuclear testing in the 1950s and 1960s, the island is now valued for its marine and wildlife resources. It is particularly important as a seabird nesting site—with an estimated 6 million birds using or breeding on the island, including several million Sooty Terns.
According to the South Pacific Regional Environment Program, two small uninhabited Kiribati islets, Tebua Tarawa and Abanuea, disappeared underwater in 1999. The islet of Tepuka Savilivili no longer has any coconut trees due to salination. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that sea levels will rise by about half a metre (20 in) by 2100 due to global warming and a further rise would be inevitable. It is thus likely that within a century the nation's arable land will become subject to increased soil salination and will be largely submerged.
Rising level level is also being felt in many countries, particularly island-countries like the Philippines. ~
Official name: Republic of Kiribati.Capital city: Tarawa.Population: 135,389.Area: 811 sq km.Major languages: I-Kiribati, English.Time zone: UTC+12/+13/+14 (Gilbert Island Time/Phoenix Island
Time/Line Islands Time)
- Economy- Until 1979, when Banaba’s deposit of phosphate rock was exhausted, Kiribati’s economy depended heavily on the export of phosphate mineral. Before the cessation of mining, a large reserve fund was accumulated; the interest now contributes to government revenue. Other revenue earners are copra, mostly produced in the village economy, and license fees from foreign fishing fleets, including a special tuna-fishing agreement with the European Union. Commercial seaweed farming has become an important economic activity. Internet
Part 2 - Fiji
What are the main issues faced by Fiji?
By Elena Clifford / Last Updated on: June 22, 2024
1. Poor access to clean water and sanitation
Poor access to clean water and sanitation are major challenges in Fiji, especially in remote areas such as Lekutu. Lack of local infrastructure and low awareness of good hygiene practices mean communities, especially children, are vulnerable to water-borne diseases.
2. Current economic crisis
The current economic crisis in Fiji is essentially due to a health crisis leading to significant uncertainty regarding spending, investment, and labor market conditions. It is also affected by international economic conditions and the opening of international borders.
3. Controversial issues, including racism
Racism is an ongoing and controversial issue in Fiji, especially in Fijian politics. It has been cited as one of the main reasons for the occurrence of coups d’état in Fiji in the past. Fiji has experienced four coups, more than any other country in Oceania.
4. Limited career opportunities
Fiji’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism and agriculture, which can limit the availability of career opportunities for expats. This limited job market can make it difficult for individuals to find suitable employment in Fiji.
5. Environmental challenges
Fiji faces various environmental challenges, including the degradation of land resources, increased risk of flooding and inundation to coastal settlements due to climate change, unsustainable exploitation of marine resources, and the environmental impact of urbanization, which undermines people’s quality of life.
6. Relocations due to climate change
Fiji is struggling with relocations as a result of the climate change crisis. Rising sea levels, floods, and landslides particularly expose the country to environmental risks and displacement of communities.
7. High risk of sinking
Due to rising sea levels, Fiji is particularly exposed to the risk of sinking. This poses a significant threat to coastal settlements and the overall sustainability of the country.
8. Air pollution
Air pollution is an increasing problem in Fiji, with major sources including combustion for energy generation, domestic waste burning, and transport. The release of pollutants into the air can have negative impacts on human health and the environment.
9. Poverty
Fiji struggles with poverty, with 24.1% of the population living below the national poverty line in 2019. The country also has a significant proportion of the employed population earning below $1.90 purchasing power parity per day, indicating a high level of economic vulnerability.
10. Crime
Crime in Fiji includes robbery, theft, violent assault, sexual assault, and home invasions. While most crime is opportunistic, the highest risk is in urban areas and at night. Safety precautions, such as being cautious in downtown Suva after dark, are advised.
11. Limited career opportunities
Fiji’s economy heavily relies on tourism and agriculture, limiting the availability of career opportunities for expats. The lack of diversification in the job market can make it challenging for individuals to find suitable employment options.
12. Degradation of land resources
Fiji faces environmental challenges related to the degradation of land resources, leading to reduced agricultural productivity. This degradation can negatively impact the livelihoods of communities dependent on agriculture and exacerbate issues of poverty and food security.
13. Increased risk of flooding and inundation
Climate change poses a significant threat to Fiji, with an increased risk of flooding and inundation of coastal settlements. This can lead to property damage, displacement of communities, and loss of livelihoods.
14. Unsustainable exploitation of marine resources
The unsustainable exploitation of marine resources in Fiji is a pressing environmental issue. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices can lead to the depletion of fish stocks, negatively impacting the livelihoods of coastal communities and the health of marine ecosystems.
15. Impact of urbanization on quality of life
The environmental impact of urbanization in Fiji undermines people’s quality of life. Rapid urban growth can lead to increased pollution, strain on infrastructure, and decreased access to essential services, affecting the well-being of communities.
16. Risks of climate change
Fiji is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, cyclones, and droughts. These environmental risks can have severe consequences for the country’s infrastructure, economy, and overall well-being of its population.
17. High cost of living
Fiji can be expensive to live in, particularly for expats or tourists. The cost of living in Fiji is higher compared to some countries, which can pose financial challenges for individuals and families.
18. Access to healthcare
Access to healthcare can be limited in remote areas of Fiji. Some communities may struggle with inadequate medical facilities and a lack of trained healthcare professionals, leading to challenges in receiving timely and quality healthcare services.
19. Education challenges
Fiji faces education challenges, particularly in remote areas. Limited infrastructure and resources can lead to inadequate access to quality education, impacting children’s development and future opportunities.
20. Political controversies
Political controversies exist in Fiji, often related to the ethnic fault line that characterizes Fijian politics. Issues related to race and representation have historically caused tensions and conflicts in the country.
21. Religious conflicts
Religious conflicts have been present in Fiji, particularly between different ethnic and religious groups. The tension between ethnic Fijians and Indian Fijians has sometimes manifested in religious divisions, with different religious affiliations aligning with specific ethnic communities.
22. Reliance on tourism as a source of income
Fiji’s economy heavily relies on tourism as a source of income. The country’s vulnerability to external factors, such as global economic conditions and travel restrictions, can impact tourism revenue and adversely affect the overall economy. Diversification and resilience-building efforts are essential for sustainable economic growth.
About The Author
Elena Clifford is a member of the writing team at NCESC Geographic FAQ. NCESC Geographic FAQ, where a world of information awaits you! Delve into our comprehensive collection of frequently asked questions, spanning continents, ecosystems, and cultural phenomena.
Fiji, an archipelago in the South Pacific, is known for its vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and a rich history. It's made up of over 300 islands, with 106 inhabited, and boasts three official languages: Fijian, Hindi, and English.
Here are some more facts about Fiji:
Fiji is an archipelago consisting of over 300 islands, with 90% of its territory being water.
· Viti Levu:
The largest island, Viti Levu, is home to the capital city, Suva, and the majority of Fiji's population.
· Coral Reefs:
Fiji is known for its diverse and vibrant coral reefs, including the Great Sea Reef and the Great Astrolabe Reef.
· Topography:
Fiji has a varied topography, with mountains, rainforests, and fertile valleys.
Culture & People:
· Indigenous Fijians:
The native inhabitants of Fiji are the Indigenous Fijians, who are of Polynesian and Melanesian descent.
· Indian Population:
A significant portion of the population is of Indian descent, who came to Fiji as indentured laborers in the 19th century.
· Three Official Languages:
Fijian, Hindi, and English are the three official languages of Fiji.
· Kava:
Kava, a traditional drink made from the root of the kava plant, is a significant part of Fijian culture.
· Rugby:
Fijians are passionate about rugby, with a strong national team and a thriving rugby culture.
· Traditional Cooking:
Traditional Fijian food is often cooked in an earth oven called a "lovo," where food is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked underground.
· Cultural Etiquette:
It's considered disrespectful to wear a hat in a Fijian village, and it's customary to remove your shoes when entering someone's home.
History:
British Colony: Fiji was a British colony from 1874 to 1970, gaining independence in 1970.
"Viti" vs. "Fiji": The native name for the islands is "Viti," while "Fiji" is the name given by the Tongans and popularized by Captain Cook.
Nation finalises purchase of land on Vanua Levu, 2,000km away, but it may be just the first of many seeking refuge
Laurence Caramel
Tue 1 Jul 2014 01.00 BST
The people of Kiribati, a group of islands in the Pacific ocean particularly exposed to climate change, now own a possible refuge elsewhere. President Anote Tong has recently finalised the purchase of 20 sq km on Vanua Levu, one of the Fiji islands, about 2,000km away.
The Church of England has sold a stretch of land mainly covered by dense forest for $8.77m. "We would hope not to put everyone on [this] one piece of land, but if it became absolutely necessary, yes, we could do it," Tong told the Associated Press. Kiribati has a population of about 110,000 scattered over 33 small, low-lying islands extending over a total area of 3.5m sq km.
In 2009 the Maldives were the first to raise the possibility of purchasing land in another country in anticipation of being gradually submerged. At the time the government looked at options in India and Sri Lanka.
Now Kiribati has taken action. "Kiribati is just the first on a list which could get longer as time passes," says Ronald Jumeau, Seychelles ambassador at the United Nations, who took part in the international negotiations on climate change in Bonn last month.
In March the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published the volume on adaptation of its fifth assessment report, confirming in starker terms forecasts first outlined by scientists in 1990. Within a few decades, small islands in the Pacific and Indian oceans risk being extensively or even completely submerged. In places the sea level is rising by 1.2cm a year, four times faster than the global average.
The cost of protecting these places against rising sea levels, compared with national income, is among the highest in the world. Kiribati, Tuvalu and the Maldives are among the 10 countries where the financial impact of climate change is the most severe.
For many of these countries, which are represented by the Alliance of Small Island States, the impacts of climate change are "irreparable", as Tong has often stressed. "Whatever is agreed within the United States today, with China [the two largest sources of CO2 emissions], it will not have a bearing on our future, because already, it's too late for us ... And so we are the canary. But hopefully, that experience will send a very strong message that we might be on the frontline today, but others will be on the frontline next," he said in an interview on CNN last month. This explains why small island states think it is so important to set up an international mechanism for loss and damage, to compensate for the irremediable consequences of global warming.
The international community approved the principle of such a mechanism in November 2013. "When a population is forced to leave its country, it is no longer a matter of adaptation," Jumeau claims. "Where will these countries find funds? It is up to the industrialised countries, which caused global warming, to shoulder their responsibilities." He wants to make the loss and damage mechanism a priority for the global deal on climate change slated to be signed in Paris in December 2015.
In the immediate future, the land purchased by Kiribati will above all be used to for agricultural and fish-farming projects to guarantee the nation's food security. With sea water increasingly contaminating the atolls' groundwater and catastrophic coral bleaching – total in some cases such as Phoenix atoll – there are growing food shortages. "Among the small islands, Kiribati is the country that has done most to anticipate its population's future needs," says François Gemenne, a specialist on migrations at Versailles-Saint Quentin University, France. "The government has launched the 'migration with dignity' policy to allow people to apply for jobs on offer in neighbouring countries such as New Zealand. The aim is to avoid one day having to cope with a humanitarian evacuation."
Kiribati has long-standing relations with Fiji. In the 1950s families from Banaba island, who had been displaced to make room for a phosphate mine, took refuge there, Gemenne recalls.
According to the IPCC there is as yet no proof that climate change is the only cause of migration from small Pacific islands. But in the most vulnerable places, islanders have few options. The government of the Marshall islands has decided to follow Kiribati's example. Others, such as Tuvalu, refuse to entertain the idea of leaving their land. In either case, the radical decision by President Tong highlights their dilemma.
This article appeared in Guardian Weekly, which incorporates material from Le Monde
Kava or kava kava is a plant in the pepper family, native to the Pacific Islands. The name kava is from Tongan and Marquesan, meaning 'bitter.’ Other names for kava include ʻawa, ʻava, yaqona or yagona, sakau, seka, and malok or malogu. Kava can refer to either the plant or a beverage made from its root. Wikipedia
Family Piperaceae Genus Piper Species: P. methysticum
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