Project Details

Rise in sea level and loss of creatures that produce sand
Tuvalu is at risk of submerging due to rising sea levels caused by the effects of climate change. The natural environment has been degraded by population increase and economic development, resulting in progressive deterioration of the coral reefs and a drop in the capacity of the ecosystem that creates the deposits that constitute Tuvalu’s native soil. As a result, there is a need to understand the mechanism that forms and maintains the island and consider the ecosystem, and then devise policies to increase the island’s restorative capabilities. These policies can be applied not only to Tuvalu but to atolls throughout the world, and to the islands off the coast of the Japanese mainland.

Development of technologies to aid coral and foraminifera propagation
A study of the topography, ecosystem etc. of Funafuti Atoll was conducted, and a map was prepared showing the distribution of coral and foraminifera and the production, movement and deposition of sand by these organisms. In addition, experiments to raise and propagate foraminifera were conducted successfully. This study will aid in efforts to maintain the national territory while restoring the ecosystem, and in formulating measures to combat coastal erosion and coastal management plans.