SPC Geoscience Division

In May 2006 a magnitude 7.9 earthquake caused the western coastline of Tonga’s Lifuka Island to subside by 23cm.  After this unique event Lifuka was chosen as part of a regional effort to understand how vulnerable Pacific Island communities can adapt to the impacts of rising sea levels.

The Australian-funded Pacific Adaptation Strategy Assistance Program enabled scientists to work closely with the Lifuka community to determine three main adaptation options: planned migration inland; sand replenishment and; the construction of an engineered revetment or seawall.

This film, which follows on from the first documentary ‘Rising Oceans: Changing Lives’, examines Lifuka’s struggle to make the tough choices needed to adapt to the changing coastline of a future Pacific.

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