2014/01/01 by Julia Edwards · 1 citation
Social Sciences · #Climate Change, Adaptation, Migration #Island Studies and Pacific Affairs #Disaster Management and Resilience
paper · pdf · doi:10.4000/jso.7100
openalex publication_date 2014/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
At the end of the xixth Century, Banaba was an unknown, and then ‘unclaimed’, island in the central Pacific; however, all was soon to change for its 450 residents. In 1900, a rock propping open a Sydney-office door of the Pacific Islands Phosphate Company was found to consist almost entirely of high-grade phosphate. It was soon traced back to the island; mining activity commenced shortly after and the operation quickly grew. The tiny island was transformed into a major phosphate-mining settlement. With continued mineral extraction it became apparent that Banaba would, in time, become uninhabitable and plans were devised by colonial authorities to relocate the island community to an alternative home. This article examines the decisions, events and processes that led to the relocation of the Banabans to Rabi Island, Fiji in 1945. Original colonial documents and correspondence are examined and key members of the elderly Banaban community, based in Suva and Rabi, consulted. Parallels with contemporary relocations, associated with climate change, are given and learnings presented that will aid future climate-induced community relocations. Lessons to take forward are the need for long-term, post-relocation planning, including the creation of livelihoods, and on-going support by external agencies for those displaced.