What Does It Mean to Be a Pacific Islander Today and in the Future?

Introduction

The Pacific Islands or Oceania region is an area with rich cultural heritage and history, representing a plethora of indigenous peoples, each one of which obtains unique cultural traditions. I identify myself and the community of Nauru as a part of the detached group of cultures, nevertheless heading to globalization. Although the future prospects of the Oceanian community seem promising and lead to closer interaction with many countries, there are various issues that must be addressed.

Modern Situation in the Pacific Islands region

Modern Oceania is a culturally and politically divided region that is being influenced by foreign countries. Although the European dominance in the region ended more than a century ago, the influence of Western countries is still present (Chappel, 2013, p.138). Modern Oceania is divided into three detached regions separated from the others and representing their own political interests (Crocombe, 2008, p.1). The island of Nauru is a part Micronesian region, which seeks stronger ties with Western countries and East Asia (Wesley-Smith, 2015, p. 151). Thus, Oceania and Micronesia, in particular, are in the process of active globalization and are highly influenced by foreign powers (Jolly, 2007, p. 537). The transport problem is the major issue in this region. Countries with small economies have to maintain long maritime routes using fossil fuels (Nuttall, 2013, p. 284). Other problems are poverty, lack of freshwater sources, and excessive fishing (Ram-Bidesi, 2013, p.375). Therefore, while being a Pacific Islander, I feel like a member of a developing, although divided community, which needs to solve encountered problems to continue its growth.

Future Prospects

Pacific Islands’ future depends on solving severe environmental problems; in addition, this region will likely remain under the influence of Western countries. Unfortunately, mining, which is seen by many as the solution to poverty, causes environmental problems (Banks, 2013, p. 388). For instance, phosphate mining on Nauru destroyed a serious amount of the island’s natural environment. Thus, the choice in favor of green growth must be made (Mohanty, 2015, p. 98). It is highly likely that future Oceania will be populated by a large number of Asian people since the percentage of Asian immigrants keeps growing (Crocombe, 2007, p. 62). In addition, there is a possibility that all influencing countries contribute to the creation of the pan-Oceanian state in order to easily influence and communicate with islanders (Crocombe, 2008, p.562). Alternative power sources may replace fossil fuels

to cut short the fleet maintenance expense (Aswani and Ruddle, 2013, p. 284). Therefore, I may assume that foreign powers will still dominate future Oceania, but it has a possibility to become a prospering region.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, modern Oceania represents a variety of detached developing countries with many environmental problems caused by fossil fuels and excessive mining. However, the region has many promising future prospects if several decisions benefitting the eco-friendly environment are made. Needless to say, the perspective of the pan-Pacific state seems intriguing. In addition, the region encounters a steady growth in the Asian population, which may benefit future tourism.

Reference List

Aswani, S., and Ruddle, K. (2013) ‘Design of Realistic Hybrid Marine Resource Management Programs in Oceania’, Pacific Science, 67(3), pp. 461–476.

Banks, G. (2013) ‘Mining’. Rapaport, M. (ed.) The Pacific Islands: environment and society. Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press, pp. 379-391.

Chappel, D. A. (2013) ‘The postcontact period’. Rapaport, M. (ed.) The Pacific Islands: environment and society. Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press, pp. 138-145.

Crocombe, R. (2007) Asia in the Pacific Islands: replacing the West. Suva: IPS Publications.

Crocombe, R. (2007) The South Pacific. Suva: IPS Publications.

Jolly, M. (2007) ‘Imagining Oceania: indigenous and foreign representations of a sea of islands’, The Contemporary Pacific, 19(2), pp. 508-545.

Mohanty, M. (2015) ‘Green growth as a pathway to sustainable development: implications top Pacific Island countries’. Le Développement durable en Océanie: vers une éthique nouvelle. Aix-en-Provence: Publications of the University of Provence, pp. 97-114.

Nuttall, P. et al. (2013) ‘A review of sustainable sea-transport for Oceania: Providing context for renewable energy shipping for the Pacific’, Marine Policy, 43, pp. 283-287.

Ram-Bidesi, V. (2013) ‘Ocean resources’. Rapaport, M. (ed.) The Pacific Islands: environment and society. Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press, pp. 364-378.

Wesley-Smith, T. (2013) ‘Changing patterns of power’. Rapaport, M. (ed.) The Pacific Islands: environment and society. Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press, pp. 147-156.

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StudyCorgi. (2023) 'What Does It Mean to Be a Pacific Islander Today and in the Future'. 25 January.

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StudyCorgi. "What Does It Mean to Be a Pacific Islander Today and in the Future?" January 25, 2023. https://studycorgi.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-pacific-islander-today-and-in-the-future/.

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StudyCorgi. 2023. "What Does It Mean to Be a Pacific Islander Today and in the Future?" January 25, 2023. https://studycorgi.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-pacific-islander-today-and-in-the-future/.

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