Beru (atoll)
Beru is an atoll in the Southern Gilbert Islands in the Pacific Ocean, part of the Republic of Kiribati. Beru was previously known as Eliza, Francis Island, Maria, Peroat, Peru Island or Sunday. Beru is home of 2,051 inhabitants (2015 census). Etymology. Beru means gecko in Gilbertese and its pronunciation is similar to Peru, with a P (there is no P sound in Gilbertese. Geography. Beru is part of a larger reef, some long (NW-SE) and wide at the widest point (NE-SW). The center of the reef is a shallow depression called Nuka Lagoon. The land  mass occupies fully a third or more of the shallow reef structure and is positioned mostly towards the northeast edge of the reef. In maximum dimension the islet is long, and varies in width between and . Extensive spit development has created the nearly enclosed Tabiang Lagoon at the north end where mangroves are present. A small lagoon or barachois at the northern tip is surrounded by man-made fishponds to hold Milkfish, as is a similar feature at the south end of the islet. A long barachois with extensive mangroves occupies the interior south of Nuka Lagoon. A causeway is  present across the inlet mouth and a landing strip is present on the interior flats. The lagoon on the island known as Nuka Lagoon, has a broad passage entering it. The island is east of Tabiteuea Atoll and southeast of Tarawa Atoll and is located near the equator (1°20' S latitude). The closest island to Beru is the island of Nikunau. The island is served by Beru Island Airport. Environmental issues. The windward side of the atoll is experiencing coastal erosion due to wave action. The Leeward side of the atoll has the shallow lagoon, which the islanders  have experienced becoming shallower that is linked to mud-sand accretion that is thought to be the result of the causeways. The construction of causeways has been thought to change the currents in the lagoon and along the shoreline. Frequent and stronger sea surges is damaging the seawalls that have been constructed by the islanders. Aggregate mining and the removal of coral boulders is exacerbating coastal erosion. Myths and legends. There are different stories told as to the creation of Beru and the other islands in the Southern Gilberts. An important legend in the culture of Beru is that spirits  who lived in a tree in Samoa migrated northward carrying branches from the tree, "Te Kaintikuaba", which translates as the tree of life. It was these spirits, together with Nareau the Wise who created the islands of Tungaru (the Gilbert Islands). History. Beru Post Office opened around 1911. Education. The island has the one Christian senior high school, Hiram Bingham High School.