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JDR Vol.20 No.1 pp. 44-52
(2025)
doi: 10.20965/jdr.2025.p0044

Paper:

Artificial Island Construction as an Instrument for the Right to Stay: Case of the Marshall Islands

Mikiyasu Nakayama*,† ORCID Icon, Jennifer Seru**, Cheryl Vila** ORCID Icon, Mylast Bilimon**, Ryo Fujikura*** ORCID Icon, Akiko Sakamoto* ORCID Icon, and Mao Sato*

*Global Infrastructure Fund Research Foundation Japan
Shiodome City Center 5F, 1-5-2 Higashi Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-7105, Japan

Corresponding author

**College of the Marshall Islands
Majuro, The Marshall Islands

***Hosei University
Tokyo, Japan

Received:
July 31, 2024
Accepted:
October 17, 2024
Published:
February 1, 2025
Keywords:
artificial islands, atoll countries, climate change adaptation, Marshall Islands
Abstract

In this study, we aimed to investigate the prospect of constructing artificial islands as a climate change adaptation strategy for the Marshall Islands. A survey of Marshallese college students revealed a high level of concern about climate change and openness to emigration, particularly among younger people. However, there was also a strong desire to preserve Marshallese culture and way of life. The concept of artificial islands as a way to enable the “right to stay” in the Marshall Islands received mixed reactions. While some see it as a promising solution, others have concerns about safety, environmental impact, and maintaining their traditional lifestyle. We concluded that artificial islands, if carefully planned and implemented, could be part of a comprehensive adaptation strategy that includes international financial assistance, vocational training, and efforts to secure rights for Marshallese emigrants. Further research is needed to assess the feasibility and impacts of artificial islands, and the international community has a role to play in supporting such efforts.

Cite this article as:
M. Nakayama, J. Seru, C. Vila, M. Bilimon, R. Fujikura, A. Sakamoto, and M. Sato, “Artificial Island Construction as an Instrument for the Right to Stay: Case of the Marshall Islands,” J. Disaster Res., Vol.20 No.1, pp. 44-52, 2025.
Data files:
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Last updated on Feb. 07, 2025