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Cook Islands Statement at the Whales in a Changing Ocean Conference, Vava'u, Tonga

Abaiang lies one degree north of the equator and is the closest outer island to Tarawa, the capital of Kiribati. Over 5,000 people live on Abaiang, making it the fourth largest population of any atoll in the nation. The unique culture of Kiribati is evident on Abaiang. Limited external in uences have meant that the traditional way of life and village governance is largely intact.

Drought occurs in Abaiang after long periods of low rainfall. In some villages, this causes fresh well water to turn brackish and this impacts communities and individuals ability to access fresh water and maintain their health and livelihood. Drought occurs at different times in each village depending on their vulnerability to drought.

PACC reports

Reports from the PACC project

Technical report