Eco-technological Management of Tuvalu against Sea Level Rise

Protecting Tuvalu, Island of Beautiful Coral Reefs and Star Sand, from Sinking

Principal Investigator

- Prof.
  KAYANNE Hajime
  Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo

ODA Recipient Country

Tuvalu

Research Institutions in Japan

The University of Tokyo / National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) / Ibaraki University / University of the Ryukyus

Research Institutions in Counterpart Country

Tuvalu’s Department of Environment / Deparment of Fisheries / Department of Lands and Survey

Adoption fiscal year

FY 2008

Research Period

5 Years

Overview of the Research Project

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, transportation and sedimentation 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.

Photo gallery

Asexual reproduction by foraminifera (common name: star sand)

Shoreline survey using Global Positioning System (GPS)

Surveying the topography of the shallow seafloor near the shoreline with GPS in hand. This was an enthusiastic collaborative effort by a young Japanese researcher and a Tuvalan counterpart, chest-deep in the sea.