Tuvalu turns the tide to tourism

Dimi Kyriakou

Last Updated: Fri, 4 Sep 2009 11:49:00 +1000

As climate change threatens the islands of the Pacific with rising sea levels, one country will turn its devastating high tide into a tourist attraction.

The low-lying atolls of Tuvalu, midway between Hawaii and Australia, are just four metres above sea level at their highest point.

The sinking island chain, which may be one of the first victims of climate change, will hold the first annual King Tide Festival next February to attract tourists.

Tuvalu tourism officer Fakasoa Tealei told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat sea level rise is an issue that threatens all Tuvaluans, as the ocean is slowly invading the land.

"We are holding local festivals, music and other traditional games and activities," he says.

Impact

"We want people to see the impact of the sea level rise, especially climate change, (on the) livelihood of every Tuvaluan."

Mr Tealei says the festival coincides with the timing of the king tide - the highest tides in a region.

"There is water everywhere . . . We want people to witness the impacts of the king tide, of the sea level rise, here in Tuvalu."

Terry DeLacy, from Melbourne's Victoria University, is conducting a three-year research project on climate change and its impact on tourism in the Pacific. He says the festival is an excellent way to encourage eco-tourism.

"(It) brings real export earnings, real dollars and real money into these communities which is much needed. And it gives great opportunities for development," he says.

Vulnerable

"But they are very challenged and vulnerable to climate change. Many of the Pacific Islands are the most vulnerable of anywhere in the world.

"And if they can bring that (festival) together, how good is that?"

Mr DeLacy says tourists will gain an understanding of how climate change is affecting the islands, and with local guides can go for walks on beaches and into mangroves, to see change taking place.

Mr Tealei admits it is ironic, but necessary, for Tuvalu to turn a threatening natural phenomenon into a marketing tool.

"What else can we do?" asks the Tuvalu marketing man.