Environment
Taking Time For Tokelau
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to make an official visit to the small group of island atolls known as Tokelau. Lying to the north of Samoa, and accessible only by a 30-hour boat ride from Apia, Tokelau has a population of 1445 residents inhabiting the three atolls of Fakaofo, Nukunonu and Atafu. Its revenues are derived namely from cash sales of copra, postage stamps, handicrafts and foreign fishing licences. The New Zealand government, to which Tokelau is a territory, also provides financial and development assistance.
Although geographically remote, Tokelau is the melodic homeland of the hugely popular Te Vaka, whose music and charm has been acclaimed internationally. But while Te Vaka’s rhythms are compelling on a global scale, spare a thought for the residents on these tiny islands, which the group maintains is the source of their inspiration.
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Tokelau’s isolation has contributed to its generally pristine coral reefs and marine life. The people live a fairly traditional lifestyle that lends itself to an intrinsic harmony with nature. Women weave handicrafts, men carve beautiful model boats, the children return from school and play cricket or rugby in the small village common area. Various past development projects have ensured that water quality, power supplies and health services are at least adequate. At first glance, all seems quite serene.
A closer look however, reveals that already population pressures, and the unavoidable convenience of consumerism are exacting their toll. The people were vocal in wanting to know more about the possible impacts of climate change and sea level rise on their islands. They also voiced their concern regarding the development of appropriate forms of coastal protection.
On one island the lagoon area, traditionally the source of most of the daily food, is heavily silted and devoid, to a large extent, of fish and other food stock. There have also been reports of increased fish poisoning incidents although the reasons for this have yet to be fully explained.
The solid waste issues in Tokelau are similar to other Pacific islands countries, but with some differences as well. The major disposal items are imported packaging, dry cell batteries, building materials, domestic appliances and old machinery.
Land dumping is the most common method for disposal, but this is limited by the nature of the atoll environment. The only recycling currently practiced is the return of beverage bottles to Samoa, but this is on an ad hoc basis.
Dry cell batteries also pose concerns over the potential leaching of chemicals into the lagoon area, which is why attempts have been made to collect and store them. However, the problem of disposal remains. Discussions with the elders and the community reveal that there is a need for simple, practical and cost-efficient solutions to the waste problem. The challenge is to find these solutions.
Sadly a major limiting factor for the territory is the shortage of human resources in the area of environmental management and protection. Aside from this, community awareness needs to be built in order to involve everyone in the quest to find solutions and to have these implemented. One of the priorities identified in this area is the development of a national strategy for communication and education which will help guide processes to rectify the situation.
Suffice to say, I found this short sojourn to be a deeply moving experience.
It left me with feelings that I find difficult to put in words; but perhaps the terms ‘honoured and humbled’ is a reasonable compromise.
I felt ‘honoured’ in that on all three islands, the elected and traditional leaders as well as representatives of the community as a whole received our small delegation. Yet, I also felt ‘humbled’ not only because we were initially welcomed by the eldest of the elders on each island but also because I was reminded of the generally realistic expectations by the people of our islands, for those of us who work in ‘their’ regional organisations.
Clearly, the people of Tokelau expected us to be more readily adaptable to their needs and to be more forthcoming in providing the support they consider necessary for themselves and their limited natural resources.
In many ways the challenges facing the people of Tokelau typifies those experienced by other people of our region. The environmental issues are similar as are the needs for technical and financial resources. It has always been SPREP’s intention to become more involved with Tokelau and our challenge now is to deliver timely and appropriate follow-up actions.
