Country report for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) : Tokelau

Abstract

Tokelau is a small, isolated, non-self-governing territory under the administration of New Zealand since 1925. It consists of three low-lying atolls just south of the equator (9 S 173 W), a land area of 12 sq km fragmented into 127 islets and a total lagoon area of 187 sq km. The maximum elevation is 5m above sea- level. Rainfall is heavy but irregular averaging about 280qm per year. Major storms have occurred in 1846, 1914, 1966, 1987 and 1990 with the latter (Cyclone Ofa) the worst in living memory. The land is vulnerable to wave over-wash during storms which contaminates the soil arid freshwater lenses with salt. Increases in frequency and severity of storms have evoked fear of climate change which could make the islands uninhabitable.