TARAWA ATOLL
Planned Field Station

(photos circa 1986)
 

Introduction to the TARAWA ATOLL Planned Field Station

The Atoll Institute intends to establish a field station in Tarawa, the capitol of the Republic of Kiribati, in conjunction with Empyrean International and The Matryx Corporation, both of Canada.  The field office functions will be multifaceted and, no doubt, will change over the course of time.

Initially, the Tarawa field office will help facilitate the Atoll Institute in establishing relations with the Kiribati government ministries and departments concerned with its proposed operations, which are principally the production of a documentary series on the atolls of Kiribati and the effects upon them of sea level rise, planning and implementation of the Baurua Outrigger Expedition, and the proposed Cable Station operations on Tabuaeran (Fanning).  After a government consensus exists on the merits of the proposed Atoll Institute operations, the field station will serve as a base for the collection of data regarding the documentary production, and to provide logistical support.  Likewise, it will provide essential support when construction of the Baurua Outrigger commences, during which time it will also support the documentary filming.  After the expedition has concluded, the field station will provide essential logistical support for a variety of anticipated field studies concerning sea level rise, education, and economic development activities in the Gilbert Islands.   Moreover, the Atoll Institute chairman seeks to be licensed as a barrister and solicitor in Kiribati, so the field station will help facilitate legal advocacy.  Finally, the affiliated Empyrean International will utilize the field station with regard to furthering its proposals to develop Empyrean Village Inns on Tabuaeran (Fanning) and Kiritimati (Christmas), while The Matryx Corporation intends to conduct market surveys and feasibility studies at the field station regarding its modular housing system.  In conclusion, the Atoll Institute intends and hopes to establish an ongoing presence in Tarawa.

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