Impacts to tourism and loss of cultural heritage from climate change and adaptation recommendations

Despite the high relief of this isolated volcanic island, Easter Island (or indigenous name of land and people – Rapanui1) is susceptible to the impacts of climate change through higher frequency storm surges with increasing coastal inundation and beach shoreline recession (Quilliam et al. 2014). The iconic cultural heritage2 monuments (moai) play a determining role in securing tourist income, and in turn local economic injection. These moai and other ancient features are at great risk of damage with a great number located on the coastline and cliff faces. Other key risks for the island include water security and consequent food security. A strong role for local tourism operators is proposed as part of coordinated action with other similar places in Oceania and the rest of the island world