According to a recent study published in the study Cultural Heritage Magazine. Coastal floods also threaten at least 51 cultural relics there, including the famous Moai statue.
The statues were created by Polynesian tribes more than 500 years ago. There are nearly 1,000 Moai made of volcanic tuff on the island, 33 feet tall. On average, they weigh between three and five tons, although the heaviest is 80 tons.
A team of researchers at the University of Hawaii used advanced computer models to simulate waves on the coastline and mapped projected floods at future sea levels. The flood scope is then placed on the top of the geospatial layer, with cultural assets provided by local partners.
“This study reveals a critical threat to the culture of life and livelihoods,” said Noah Paoa, lead author of the study. “For the community, these locations are an important part of reaffirming identity and support the revitalization of tradition. Economically, they are the backbone of the island’s tourism industry. Failure to address this threat could ultimately endanger the island’s UNESCO World Heritage Status.”
These challenges are not unique to the people of Rapa Nui, who face similar concerns to other coastal areas in the world.
“We know that sea level rise poses a direct threat to global coastlines,” Paoa added. “The key question is not whether the site will be affected, but how long and severe. Our work is designed to set potential timelines that we can expect to have an impact. Discovering waves can reach Ahu Tongariki by 2080, providing specific, pressing data that inspires community discussion and planning to inspire community discussion and planning for the future.”
With data on coastal flooding, PAOA has been studying how this potential rise in sea levels affects cultural assets in Hawaii. He and his team and local Rapa Nui are expected to use these findings to develop mitigation plans to preserve the cultural heritage of these areas in the future.
The island is already facing other recent forms of destruction, including the damage to the statue by the volcanic eruption. Nevertheless, the island has produced new archaeological treasures. In 2023, experts discovered a previously unknown Moai statue.
