A recent study published in the Journal of Cultural Heritage highlights the urgent risk posed by rising sea levels to Easter Island’s renowned moai statues. Researchers, led by Noah Paoa from the University of Hawaii, predict that by the end of the century, seasonal waves could inundate these iconic structures, particularly affecting Ahu Tongariki, the island’s largest ceremonial platform. This site not only attracts tens of thousands of tourists annually but is also central to the cultural identity of the Rapa Nui people, as it houses 15 significant moai.
In their research, Paoa and his team created a detailed “digital twin” of Easter Island’s eastern coastline, allowing them to model potential wave impacts under different sea-level rise scenarios. Their findings indicate that by as early as 2080, wave action could reach Ahu Tongariki, endangering around 50 other cultural sites in the region.
The moai, constructed between the 10th and 16th centuries to honour ancestors and chieftains, are integral to the island’s heritage. Tragedy struck previously in 1960 when a powerful earthquake triggered a tsunami that damaged the statues, necessitating restoration efforts in the 1990s.
While this study focuses on Easter Island, its implications resonate globally, as many cultural heritage sites face similar threats from climate change-induced sea-level rise. A recent UNESCO report highlighted that approximately 50 World Heritage sites are at high risk of coastal flooding, with the Mediterranean and African regions being particularly vulnerable.
Potential protective measures for Ahu Tongariki and similar sites include building coastal defences, such as breakwaters, or even relocating the statues. Paoa emphasises the importance of proactive discussions about these threats, advocating for immediate action to mitigate future damage rather than reacting in the wake of tragedy.
In light of these findings, it is clear that addressing the impacts of climate change on cultural heritage is a pressing global concern, urging a collective response to safeguard these vital pieces of history.