USP Electronic Research Repository

Steering a course for the future with sticks, stones, grass and a little sharkskin: the case for revitalisation of sail technology and sailing culture as a practical sea - transport response to climate change and fossil fuel dependence and supply issues in Fiji

Nuttall, Peter (2012) Steering a course for the future with sticks, stones, grass and a little sharkskin: the case for revitalisation of sail technology and sailing culture as a practical sea - transport response to climate change and fossil fuel dependence and supply issues in Fiji. The Journal of Pacific Studies, 32 . pp. 163-175. ISSN 1011-3029

[img] PDF - Published Version
Download (311kB)

Abstract

The paper makes an initial case for a more detailed inquiry into and analysis of the role sail technology might play in seeking sustainable and Oceanian -centred sea-transport adaptations for the region. Immediate and pressing challenges that face the coastal and island communities of Oceania include increasing environmental degradation, the uncertain effects of a climate change future and increasing dependency on imported fossil fuel with related concerns of supply and price security. Global interest in alternative energy technologies is widespread but sea transport generally and sail technology in particular have not been seriously explored. Past lessons and recent research indicate strong potential for sail technology to provide practical and multiple benefits to island and village communities as a viable alternative, although substantial barriers exist to such a revitalisation. Sail has potential at all levels of local, national and regional sea transport. The example of a fleet of small-scale, village based, sail powered catamarans is explored. The research focus of this paper is geographically limited to a Fijian example but is expected to have regional applicability.

Item Type: Journal Article
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology
Divisions: Office of the PVC (R&I)
Depositing User: Ms Shalni Sanjana
Date Deposited: 19 Feb 2014 01:05
Last Modified: 08 Jan 2017 21:44
URI: http://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/7173
UNSPECIFIED

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Document Downloads

More statistics for this item...