Environment

The impact of the rapidly growing population of the island is become increasingly obvious. Environmental degradation has previously been restricted to the localized effect of tree felling for fuel wood and boat construction and coral and sand mining for building materials. Also the excessive drawing on the fresh ground water lens beneath the island has lead to saline instructions, which coupled with the impact of localized sanitary disposal practices, threatens the health of local community. Over-exploitation of inshore reef resources has also contributed to the depletion of a number of species that once provided the source of income for the local fisherman and communities. Numerous measures have been introduced that seek to combat the undesirable impact of rapid social and economic development and to maintain the biological productivity of the island’s fragile ecosystems.