The True Story Behind The Environmental Degradation Of Nauru

Carl N. McDaniel and John M. Gowdy’s book Paradise for Sale: A Parable of Nature (2000) outlines the rise and fall of Nauru, a country that has suffered greatly following the phosphorus boom of the 1980s. In its bleak description of this small island’s history, the book acts as a parable for the environmental and economic crisis in the world at large.

Paradise for Sale: A Parable of Nature is a history of Nauru island, with a specific focus on the economic developments of the island and the resulting environmental degradation. The book is a collaborative work between McDaniel and Gowdy, both authors with academic backgrounds in biology and economics respectively. Together, they combine their disciplines to write a multi-layered account of how and why the tragedy of Nauru occurred and what lessons the world at large may take from it all.
The book outlines Nauru’s brief economic boom in the early 1980s, the result of the rich deposits of phosphate found on the island, which actually originated from sea bird droppings. McDaniel and Gowdy support their findings with first-hand observations of life on Nauru, speaking with local inhabitants to determine the extent of the impact of colonisation and exploitation on the local community.

Using their findings, they reveal the way in which extensive phosphate mining destroyed the ecology of Nauru and left many of the islanders without a livelihood. The deposits of phosphate on the island are now almost completely depleted and there is little hope that a more sustainable resource will emerge in its place.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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