We will study the impact of human settlement and consequent pollution on coral reefs. Recent establishment of a Club Med tourist compound has created a drastic change in the economic base of the island by vastly increasing employment opportunities. We also will be able to observe and interact with the people of the island. The fact that more people live on the island than it can support today, means that most food and supplies must be shipped in. We see this first hand in the food we eat everyday.
Fresh vegetables are a rarity.
There is a high dependence on the tourist industry on the island although at the present time it is very limited. This isolation of an island really gives it a type of culture all its own. We will have the opportunity to talk to people who live on the island several times. First we will attend church on the island. We will meet with one of the pastors outside of the church service to learn about the life of the congregation.