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Story Publication logo October 12, 2024

One Atoll's Fight: Micronesian Community and Scientists Unite To Protect Remote Atoll by Reawakening Traditions

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Pacific communities are embracing tradition and working with scientists to protect their ecosystems.

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In the remote Ulithi atoll, community member Milo Tasopulu assists scientists with marine survey work in a unique collaboration to preserve the reef atoll ecosystem. Image by Marzy Adalbai/ABC. Micronesia.

The people of Ulithi atoll in the Federated States of Micronesia have managed their unique and remote ecosystem for thousands of years using traditional knowledge.

But as the outside world pushed in, these traditions were disrupted, and the ecosystem became unbalanced. 

Invasive species, new technology, a leaking WW2 oil tanker, and climate change have all contributed.

But now in a unique collaboration with scientists, the people of Ulithi are fighting back — reawakening traditional practices, aided by modern science.

In this special episode of Pacific Scientific, with travel and associated support from the Pulitzer Center, hear about their fight to preserve their culture, traditions, ecosystem, and way of life.


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