Abemama, Coral atoll in Gilbert Islands, Kiribati
Abemama is a coral atoll in the Gilbert Islands that consists of several small islets surrounding a central lagoon. The oval-shaped formation includes flat terrain with coconut palms and scattered settlements concentrated along the shoreline.
The island was claimed for Britain in 1892 by Captain Edward Davis of HMS Royalist, marking the start of European control over the Gilbert Islands region. This moment shaped the political history of the area and led to changes in how the islands were governed.
Local communities gather in traditional maneaba structures for meetings, education, and religious ceremonies that form the center of daily life. The way people use these spaces shows their deep connection to inherited customs and social values.
You can reach the island by flight from Tarawa, with regular service several times weekly. Once there, facilities are limited, so it helps to bring water and supplies or arrange for them before arriving.
The reefs around the atoll have traditional fish traps built into them that catch marine life as the tides change. Local people still use this ancient fishing method today, showing how they work with the ocean's natural rhythms.
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