The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) was also part of the Integrated Vulnerability Assessment (IVA) team to Banaba trip led by the Office of Te Beretitenti (OB). Various Government Ministries who were also part of the survey included the Ministry of Education, Agricultural division, Coastal Fisheries Division, Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
The team departed Tarawa on the 29th of September and arrived at Banaba on 1st October. The purpose of the survey was to identify the main issues in relation to the climate change impacts encountered by the people of Banaba.
The survey was conducted on the 2nd of October 2019, and it involved different focus groups from different villages which included, youth, women, men, handicapped etc. The TAK took the opportunity to conduct its own mapping activity by collecting the coordinates of some historical sites such as the Te B’angab’anga Cave (Banaban Cave), Monument of Albert Fuller Ellis, Slaughter Site, and the Phosphate Mining area. These sites hold significant history of Banaba which can serve as historical attractions for those who wish to visit the island.
Integrated Vulnerability Assessment of Banaba
Banaba has the potential to develop tourism products such the WWII history and the phosphate mining by the British Phosphate Commission. These sites can serve as attractions to those whose families worked on Banaba during the phosphate mining period as well as researchers and WWII enthusiasts.
The island is ideal for ecotourism activities such as kayaking and snorkeling as the water is very clear and clean. However, a feasibility study is required to properly identify the exact sites for these water activities for the safety of the visitors.
The potential for niche tourism development is present however this may require further support in infrastructure and capacity building to develop these activities so that the island can be promoted as an attraction.
