Beautiful tiny island visited by almost no tourists at risk of sinking into sea

Around 1,000 miles south of Hawaii is one of the world’s most beautiful countries – and also one of the world’s least visited.

Lying slap bang in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is the tiny island country of Kiribati which despite its ‘pristine’ lagoons, tropical nature and stunning views is visited by fewer than 4,000 tourists a year.

The island nation is made up of 33 coral atolls scattered through a large expanse of sea and most of the population of the island lives on the outcrops that make up the capital of the island, the atoll of Tarawa. 

Surrounded by stunning blue lagoons, Kiribati is also home to the Phoenix Islands – a UNESCO protected area with 500 fish species, 18 mammals and 44 bird species among others.

The isolated country is surrounded by stunning coral reefs making it one of the best places in the world to dive.

READ MORE Top Spanish holiday destinations that could sink underwater[LATEST]

One reviewer of their stay in Kiribati on TripAdvisor said: “The corals reefs were incredible! Just so full of countless varieties of tropical fish darting in and out of untouched corals. Lavender and pink were stand out colours. There were even a few giant clams to see.”

Many people will also know Kiribati as the first place in the world which welcomes in the New Year on January 1, as it lies almost exactly on the date line in the Pacific Ocean. Maps seem to suggest the the country has had to dateline moved around it, to accomodate the tiny island nation.

Bizarrely, the island is also home to a significant amount of WWII memorabilia, as in 1943 the three-day Battle of Tarawa took place between US marines and Japanese troops. Tanks, munitions and bodies were left behind on the island.

According to the Pacific Tourism Organisation, locals believe ‘the battle sites play a strong part in the history of the islands’.

The organisation said: “These sites have shaped the way the people of Kiribati are today.”

Due to its isolation, Kiribati isn’t the easiest to reach – but previous visitors say its worth it. Fiji Airways flights from Suva on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Nauru Airlines co-flies a weekly flight with Air Kiribati from Brisbane in Australia on Saturdays and returning on Mondays.

Supply boats leave infrequently to Fiji and according to travel guides, there is no schedule. A travel guide added: “Captains usually accept hitchhikers for a small fee. Prepare for the worst: no comfort, bad food. And for the best: great company, Polynesian and Micronesian hospitality and adventure.”

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Don’t miss…
Greek island faces cruise ship ‘nightmare’ with sunset ‘blocked’[LATEST]
Family fume after being ripped off with £311 bill in Greek holiday hotspot[REVEAL]
Anger as island could soon disappear into the sea leaving its people stateless[LATEST]

However, tragically, due to rising sea levels caused by climate change, this island paradise is at risk of being swallowed up by the ocean in just a few decades time. 

Any flooding would ‘shift and remould’ the islands with devastating consequences for the population, making the process an ‘existential threat’ to Kiribati.

 Scientists predict that sea levels will rise by a metre by 2100, which would be catastrophic for Kiribati, as the entire country would need to be raised out of the ocean by three to five metres. To save the future of the island, its government is desperately trying to raise funds to stop it from sinking. 

Speaking to the Guardian in November 2022, the island’s president Taneti Maamau said: “We’ve asked donors to help – the physical land is limited but we have a lot of sea area, we can reclaim those areas and raise them high

“[Developed countries] should act, because time is short for us. Every day counts, a delay of a day means loss to us. It’s time for action, we demand action now.

“For too long we have waited and waited and then the negotiation prolongs, maybe it’s one way of delaying loss and damage.”

Speaking about the G7 and pledges made at the most recent summit, he said:  “I hope they listen now, because they have to honour their commitments and pledges. They need to open their ears more clearly, and their minds. The wealthy countries are after all responsible for what we are now facing.”

Additional reporting by Maria Ortega.

Source: Read Full Article

Previous post Labrinth Celebrating as He Welcomes Baby No. 3
Next post Eve Plourde — Red, Hot Summer Shots!