Preserving the Past, Navigating the Present

The RMI continues to face a range of social, economic, and environmental challenges, including rising sea levels, climate change, and economic dependence on the US. The country is also working to preserve its unique culture and traditions while embracing modernity and international engagement.

In recent years, the RMI has become increasingly engaged in a challenging climate change battle. Rising sea levels and extreme waves during storms have crept into homes and over roadways and playgrounds. Survival of the Marshallese depends on elevation of land, relocation of communities and construction of protective measures like seawalls. The land visible and liveable today may in future exist only below the ocean’s surface.

The Marshallese have always been highly skilled navigators. The people and the sea were one. Finely tuned navigation skills, knowledge, and instincts are again necessary to help guide the nation through perhaps one of the most relentless challenges faced in hundreds, if not, thousands of years.