Tuvalu, a Pacific Island state facing the imminent threat of disappearing due to rising sea levels, is pioneering efforts to become the world’s first digital country in the metaverse. As the effects of climate change worsen, Tuvalu, situated midway between Australia and Hawaii, is grappling with the possibility of half of its capital, Funafuti, being submerged in tidal waters on a daily basis by 2050.
In 2021, recognizing the perilous situation, Tuvalu began exploring innovative ways to maintain its economic maritime zone and international recognition as a state. A year later, the nation unveiled an ambitious plan to create a digital version of itself in the metaverse.
With only 26 square kilometers of land spread across nine atolls, Tuvalu is home to roughly 11,200 people, with half residing in the capital atoll, Funafuti. The largest islet, stretched around a lagoon, is merely 650 meters at its widest, and during high tides, approximately 40% of the main island is submerged.
In a groundbreaking move, Tuvalu has partnered with renowned creative agencies, The Monkeys and Collider, to develop a comprehensive metaverse version of the nation. The digital rendition will include a catalog, a map, and archives of historical documents, photography albums, and traditional songs.
The ambitious project aims to encapsulate Tuvalu’s rich history, unique geography, vibrant culture, and the essence of its people. As the world watches Tuvalu adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, this digital initiative serves as a beacon of resilience, ensuring that even if the physical land succumbs to the ocean, Tuvalu’s legacy will endure in the virtual realm.
