1 / 8A Paradise at Risk of Disappearing | A tiny Pacific island nation, known for its turquoise lagoons, pristine coral reefs, and vibrant Polynesian culture, may soon disappear from the face of this planet. As time runs out for Tuvalu, one of the least-visited places in the world, its people are relocating to Australia. (Image: Canva)
2 / 8Rising Seas Threaten Tuvalu’s Existence | Known as the untouched paradise and home to just over 11,000 people, it could be completely submerged within the next 25 years if climate change and rising sea levels continue, according to a report by Wired magazine. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 8Tuvalu’s Fragile Geography | A study by NASA’s Sea Level Change Team stated that Tuvalu, made up of nine stunning coral islands and atolls, is extremely low-lying, with an average height of only two meters above sea level. This makes the islands vulnerable to rising ocean levels, flooding, and powerful storm surges. Tuvalu could be one of the first countries in the world at risk of disappearing, the report added. (Image: Reuters)
4 / 8Tuvalu’s Steps to Save Its Islands | Facing the threat of rising sea levels, the Tuvalu government has announced plans to become the world’s first digital nation. The government has launched a special initiative called the “Future Now Project,” which involves moving government services like official documents, records and historical artifacts such as cultural items online. (Image: Reuters)
5 / 8Building a Digital Nation for the Future | In order to prevent submergence, Tuvalu is also adding sand to areas that are at risk of being flooded. Funded by the UN’s Green Climate Fund, the sand is transported from the middle of the ocean and used to build up two square miles of new land on Funafuti, the main atoll of Tuvalu, reported National Geographic. The move is to preserve the country’s history and culture even if the land ceases to exist. (Image: Reuters)
6 / 8How to get to Tuvalu? | As there are no direct flights from India to Tuvalu, the first step is to fly to Nadi International Airport (NAN) in Fiji, which takes around 15-20 hours. From Fiji, take a connecting flight to Funafuti International Airport (FUN), the only airport in Tuvalu. The duration of the flight is 2 to 3 hours. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
7 / 8Tuvalu and Australia’s Migration Pact | Both countries have created a special migration scheme called the Falepili Union Treaty in 2023. In this program, 280 Tuvaluans can move to Australia as permanent residents every year and visas will be allocated through a ballot system. (Image: Senator Penny Wong/X)
8 / 8High Demand for Australia Migration Scheme | The Australian High Commission in Tuvalu, in a statement to Wired magazine, said, “As of July 23, we have received extremely high levels of interest in the ballot with 8,750 registrations, which includes family members of primary registrants.” Those selected will have the same healthcare, education, housing, and employment rights as Australian citizens. In case they want to return to Tuvalu, they will be able to do so if conditions permit. (Image: Reuters)
