Kankelau

Kankelau is a small, uninhabited islet located in the Nanumea atoll of Tuvalu. It is situated on the eastern rim of the atoll, within the larger island nation in the Polynesian region of the Pacific Ocean.

The islet is primarily composed of sand and coral rubble, supporting limited vegetation consisting mainly of low-lying shrubs and coconut palms. Kankelau's land area is minimal, contributing to the overall land scarcity in Tuvalu, which is acutely vulnerable to rising sea levels and coastal erosion.

Due to its uninhabited status, Kankelau's importance is primarily ecological. It serves as a nesting site for seabirds and potentially provides habitat for other marine fauna. It is also of significance in the traditional land tenure system of Nanumea, being part of the customary lands of the local population. Access to and resources from such islets are usually governed by customary law.

As with other islets in Tuvalu, Kankelau faces significant environmental challenges from climate change. These include rising sea levels, increased frequency and intensity of storm surges, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater lenses, threatening its limited vegetation and overall ecosystem. The vulnerability of Kankelau underscores the broader environmental challenges facing Tuvalu and other low-lying island nations.