Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands : initial communication under the United Nations framework Convention on Climate Change

Abstract

Radiocarbon dating indicates that the Marshall Islands were first colonized by Micronesian people about 2000 years ago. The inhabitants of the islands developed and refined the skills and technologies that supported their adaptation to the atoll and oceanic environment. These skills and technologies encompass canoe building, navigation and fishing techniques as well as agricultural practices. Collectively, these skills and technologies underpinned the development and maintenance of a self reliant and sustainable society in the Marshall Islands.