“It is not just about being alive and have a place to stay. No, it’s about a country, and a people, called the Kiribati people….
….We will continue to fight until there in no breath in us”
– Penelise Alofa (National Co-ordinator Kiribati Climate
intent
This strategic plan will aim at being a pilot project document that can demonstrate principles as a catalyst for landscape evolution for nations bearing the consequence of climate change.
This strategic plan will address accountability, impact policy reform and implement migration with dignity through the rejection of the extractive linear ‘progress’ (Escobar. 2018)
impact
Through mapping and understanding of Tarawa, one thing became very clear, more land, safety and time was required. An assessment of adjacent atolls was conducted, which showed that while providing additional land mass, more land was required if it was to consider the entire population of Kiribati without detrimental degradation to the land. Heading underwater was given great consideration and understanding of the infinity the I-Kiribati has with the ocean and its systems. It was then concluded that moving underwater could achieve the vision and intent of social and environmental justice while supporting migration with dignity through social innovations and accomplish a redistribution of power through knowleged and expertise in leading science and tech
Aquarius
horizontal systems
Aquarius is a false atoll. Horizontally it will strengthen and fortify ocean connectivity to the existing adjacent atolls systems. Aquarius’ topography, which is largely set at around 4 meters above sea level, will provide opportunities for self-organisation and settlement on land, with varying topography that can support inland water capture and diverse vegetation communities; whilst also allowing access to the ‘lagoon’ waters.
Vertical systems
Vertically, Aquarius provides for similar system opportunities as that on land. Allowing for self-organisation through gradual settlement, health and government facilities, with a host of opportunities for education, research, science and technology development. This vertical collection of systems is where Aquarius drives a shift in power, allowing a nation who could be the first to live underwater, lead the way in development of research, science and technology. With over 200 million people perceived to live below sea level by 2100, and 70% of which, living within only 8 countries in Asia (Buchholz. 2020), this puts the I-Kiribati in a position with specialist skills and knowledge.
