Sustainable development for Tuvalu : a reality or an illusion?

For development to be sustainable for Tuvalu it needs to be development which specifically sustains the needs of Tuvaluans economically, politically, ecologically and culturally without jeopardising and destroying the resources for future generations. Development needs to be of the kind which empowers Tuvaluans, gives security, self-reliance, self-esteem and respect. This is different from western perspectives which concentrate and involve a western style economy and money system in which money is the centre of everything. For Tuvaluans the economy is based on and dependent on land, coconut trees, pulaka (Cyrtosperma) and fish, as well as the exchange of these commodities. The aim of this thesis is to compare western and Tuvaluan concepts and practices of sustainable development in order to evaluate future possibilities of sustainable practices for Tuvalu. An atoll state like Tuvalu has many problems. The atolls are small, isolated, and poor in natural resources. Transport and communication are difficult and the environment is sensitive. Tuvalu is classified by the United Nations as one of the least developed countries, one dependent on foreign assistance. Tuvalu's population is approaching 10 000, with a density of over 347 persons per square kilometre. An increase in population would put additional pressure on natural resources and, therefore, population control or resettlement programmes will be necessary. Any development project that inflates the population would be a problem for the community. For any development to work for Tuvalu it needs to meet the basic needs of the people in ways that are economical. Development is needed to improve methods of food production, water supply (i.e. water tanks), and energy products (i.e. by solar methods).