The Intangible Losses Of Nauru’s Amid Climate Change
Like many Pacific Islands, Nauru grapples with the erosion of its cultural and natural heritage. Traditional practices, reliance on native plants for various purposes, and iconic structures face threats from changing environmental conditions and modernization. There losses experienced by Nauruan’s are intangible and similar sentiments are echoed across the pacific.
Coastal erosion, inundation and saltwater intrusion in Nauru, driven by shifting wind patterns, higher-than-usual king tides, and exposure to stronger swells, has led to the erosion and inundation of its shorelines. This relentless degradation has not only affected the island’s landscapes but also its significant natural and historical monuments. Among these is Moqua Cave and its Moqua Well, an underground freshwater lake that served as the primary source of drinking water for Nauruans during World War II. The cave system, believed to extend over 3 kilometers, also holds cultural importance, as it provided shelter for locals during the Japanese occupation. Unfortunately, the cave and well, like the Japanese bunkers, are now at risk due to severe sand erosion. The Japanese bunkers, once prominent relics of the island’s wartime past, and Moqua Cave, a symbol of resilience and survival, are both part of Nauru’s rich history. These structures offer a tangible connection to the island’s cultural identity, reflecting its people’s endurance through times of adversity. However, as participants noted, ‘the sand erosion and eating away of our shorelines by the waves has made it impossible to maintain or access our monuments like the different bunkers around the island’. The loss of these landmarks signifies more than just physical decay—it represents the gradual erosion of Nauru’s cultural heritage and historical significance.
‘Taming of the frigate birds is a traditional ‘sport’ for men only. A wooden structure for the birds to ‘perch’ is erected on the beach where the men would interact with their pets by feeding them fish they had caught. The late James Deireregea from Anabar was the last of the frigate bird enthusiasts, and his perch has been destroyed by the encroaching sea. The beaches are slowly disappearing under the rising sea, and this very traditional sport may never be recovered’.
Despite these challenges, there are stories of resilience within Nauru’s communities. The erosion of cultural relics, decline in native plants, and shift away from traditional building materials represent intangible losses that impact Nauru’s cultural identity and heritage. Through collective action and awareness, Nauruan’s are working to protect and preserve their cultural and natural heritage, ensuring that future generations can continue to cherish and benefit from these invaluable resources.