Fenua Fala
Fenua Fala is one of the four inhabited islets that make up the Fakaofo Atoll in Tokelau, a non-self-governing territory of New Zealand in the Pacific Ocean. It serves as the primary residential area for the Fakaofo community, having been established in 1960 to address overcrowding on the traditional village islet of Fale. Life on Fenua Fala is linked to the marine environment and the limited resources available, with broader concerns of climate change and rising sea-levels.
History
[edit]Fenua Fala was established as a new village site on Fakaofo Atoll in 1960. This relocation was initiated due to severe overcrowding on the traditional, smaller islet of Fale, which had been the primary settlement for centuries. The construction of the new village was supported by New Zealand, which significantly expanded the residential space for the community.[1][2]
Geography
[edit]Fenua Fala is one of the islets in Tokelau, a non-self-governing territory of New Zealand in the Pacific Ocean.[3][4] It is part of the Fakaofo Atoll, the southern most group of islands of Tokelau. It is located about 2 km (1.2 mi) to the west of the original settlement in Fale.[2] The settlement is surrounded by concrete walls to protect it from the sea.[5] The island is low-lying,[6] and is suseptible to climate change, and rising sea levels.[7] It is surrounded by coral reefs, which support aquatic life such as seaweed, sea cucumber, giant clam, octopus, and fishes.[8]
Demographics
[edit]The settlement hosts a population of about 400 individuals.[9] The local administration is taken care by Taupulega, a governing body made up of invited elders from the local community.[2] The settlement hosts the Fakaofo hospital, Tialeniu School and other facilities. It is also the location of Teletok, Tokelau's only telecommunications provider.[2] There are also three churches to cater to its total population, which is made up of 70% Protestants and 22% Catholics.[2][10]
References
[edit]- ^ Hermann M. Schendel (2004). "Resettlement and Traditional Wisdom: The Case of Fakaofo Atoll, Tokelau". The Contemporary Pacific. 16 (1).
- ^ a b c d e "Villages". Tokelau Government. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Map of Fakaofo Atoll". NZETC. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ^ "Fakaofo". Alluring world. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ^ "Insubmersible: Life in Tokelau, the Most Remote Country in the World". Bird in flight. 10 July 2018. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ^ "Small Island Developing States: First Comprehensive Baseline Report for Tokelau". UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Climate". Tokelau government. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ^ Fakaofo fishery (PDF). Coast fish (Report). January 2018. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Alluringwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Fakaofo village". Ln247. Retrieved 1 June 2025.