Ontong Java: A Disappearing Paradise in Solomon Islands

Climate change and rising sea levels are threatening the existence of Solomon Islands. For many small island communities, their traditional way of living is under attack.
Ontong Java is a Polynesian community within Solomon Islands. There are roughly 3,000 that live across two villages on the atoll and another 1,000 people from Ontong Java have already settled in the capital of Solomon Islands: Honiara.
I travelled to Solomon Islands in 2018 in an attempt to humanize sea level rise and climate change. I spent a couple of months with the community to learn from their perspective at the front lines of a global emergency.
#SolomonIslands #SeaLevelRise #OntongJava

[@conniekalesi93]

As a Solomon Islander I am so grateful for your documentary. Thank you for letting the world know that climate change is real and happening everywhere.

[@tavioka6243]

Im a Pacific islander too from Micronesia. We too are facing the same exact situation for low lying islands just a few feet above sea level. Just imagine standing on ur shore looking out onto the ocean & see it level with the land & ur in the middle of the mighty Pacific ocean. Much love to the world! Think of us too❤️😭

[@DerickPiat-mo7og]

Hello lucky KZbin viewer 🙋

[@NoSoup4U2]

Same thing is happening in the Maldives which is in the Indian Ocean. They are sinking just as fast. Like you tavioka6243, sending much love back to all your islanders. 🥰😊

[@Ainot246]

Am an islander as well from the solomons. I live on an island that bears the characteristics of such climate change-related issues like this one. Good on you for travelling right around the world to report and document on this issue of climate change. You're right to say we, the people of developing countries are bearing the brunt of what has been the wealth-making of developed countries. It's a reality. Resilient as we maybe, the future of coastal and island inhabitants like this is at stake if governments and their international partners do not act decisively as a matter of urgency. I guess such reporting and documentaries on pressing issues like climate change and sea level rise should be done to bring awareness and perhaps gets the government of the day to be reminded of its responsibilities to its citizens. A genuine and well presented documentary. Good on you.

[@HindsightYT]

Thank you for your kind words. Let't hope that one day that culture of exploitation and those injustices will be lessened.

[@lakwaiga340]

All Solomon Islanders must appreciate your work... Thank you for exposing our MOI hardships and struggles against climate change.

[@HindsightYT]

I appreciate that, thank you!

[@jessicasanchez4991]

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[@dannytinioumoana7631]

Love this documentary, it reminds me of my late Dad who is from Pelau. It's great to see some of my relatives, even my first cousin brother James. You guys did an awesome job for telling the world that these small atolls need their help to survive. Heads off to you all!

[@HindsightYT]

I'm glad to hear that you liked the film! Are you family of James Poasi? :) Thank you for your support!

[@furball8967]

Great doco....beautiful country, beautiful islands. Sorry to say this, but no one is going to save you. Climate Change is now an inevitable journey towards the complete erosion of your islands. You’ll be a headline today and tomorrow another headline will replace you. It’s a ‘slow emergency ‘.....but accelerating.

[@goldiekoroi5174]

It's heart breaking when he answered the question "Where you gonna live? A little shrug and smile that says a lot...."I don't know 😢😢😢

[@Edward-oy7ed]

I'm from the U.S Washington D.C and I wept for those people as they struggle to survive. We all have to understand that we are all God's children and I mean everyone. We have to find better ways to network and do more to help all of mankind to survive this man made devastation, that has caused climate change around the world. Lets keep spreading the education and lets all do our part everywhere and remember those who need our help, they too are our brothers and sisters.

[@iggypacanowski]

Being there, collecting over 40 days of aerial footage, and experiencing life on the island alongside Guus - those are the defining moments for my personal growth and understanding of the climate change and global warming. This is beautiful documentary, thank you for energy to spark this project Guus!

[@HindsightYT]

I'm so grateful to have shared this experience with you, Iggy! You're one of the most inspiring people I know and your perspective on this story has influenced me greatly. I'm very glad you liked the end result :)

[@matrixzudivic]

I would never let this place be a part of history. Although heart felt experience but this is part of history why not existed today because of the head of my family. I will so whatever it takes to make it possible

[@jogroen1298]

As sad as the disappearance of the island is, this film is so beautifully put together. Well done Guus!

[@hitchcockcreative4770]

This is a visually beautiful documentary and a compelling story about individual lives, a community, and climate change. Hearing Guus’s experience traveling there and witnessing all of this for himself is one thing, but the connections he formed with the community, displaying their resourcefulness, admiration for the land and desire to adapt, was incredibly impactful and informative. I hope the community and government are able to come together and save the land and life that make this place, and world, so beautiful. Thank you Guus for telling this story.

[@ezekielkilamu1384]

Thank you for been showing the world about our Islands of facing climate change that continuing on happening on our island..appreciate your work..🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@tinahesty8186]

I am from solomon islands and this documentary is very well done. Really appreciate your work 🙌.

[@pfanasia]

My father was a local priest in Lua Niua during the 90s, grow up there from age 5 to 10. very sad to see this wonderful place is sinking. Thank you so much for this great documentry

[@PeterMontoya]

The filmmaker, Gustavo, again proves that he has the emotional intelligence plus filmmaking expertise to shine a bright light on an important issue. Not only is this a gorgeous documentary, but shares the real costs of our behaviors in the Western, Carbon-Fueled world. Well done!

[@DerickPiat-mo7og]

Hello lucky KZbin viewer 🙋

[@DerickPiat-mo7og]

Hello lucky KZbin viewer 🙋

[@michelewestmorland9788]

So few in America understand just how much these islands are impacted by climate change. Thank you for sharing this important film.

[@sandponics]

Wait until Florida disappears beneath the waves then they may start to understand that climate change is a normal part of life that has been happening for millions of years.

[@wittetempel]

There are many documentaries about climate change, but few from such a humanistic and personal perspective. It's difficult to make an audience relate when your subject is so remote in space and time. This is how you do it. Uve!

[@hagonzalezd]

Exceptional documentary with a great on-site immersion and footage. Thanks for showing the world how climate change is affecting our planet today. People tend to think that the consequences will not be seen in our lifetime, and what better way of showing it than a high-quality documentary. I am a big fan of your work!

[@Budgetmeright]

I live in Greece. I am so grateful for KZbin. You can see parts of the world so different than yours. ❣️

[@theacharity4606]

Beautiful touching documentary. Sad really to hear how Ontong Javans are struggling to face sea level rise.

[@ernestovelasco6182]

I feel sad 25 yrs from now 2022 this beautiful island will vanished soon due to climate change, nice coverage watching from the Philippines

[@ARimbaud]

Beautiful and heartbreaking documentary ! Beside the great direction and amazing footage, we are at the heart of the problem, side by side with the inhabitants who see their island disappearing before their eyes. Thank you for showing the world what many people still consider an abstract problem.

[@DerickPiat-mo7og]

Hello lucky KZbin viewer 🙋

[@kurthansen4362]

It's sad and heartbreaking to say good bye to young family members leaving rural small communities for better job and sustenance opportunities. I know something about it. Left a small Danish island farming community to Copenhagen to study engineering at age 19. At age 24, I emigrated to Canada to start my career as an environmental engineer. All of these moves worked well for me - now retired at age 72 and reflecting on how well everything turned out for me by taking a few major risks in my life by leaving a small island community.

[@abulkalamzaman4558]

The southern part of Bangladesh is facing similar catastrophic situation. Salty sea water is rising, nearby rice fields can not grow rice anymore, sweetwater fish is gone, forest is dead, no drinking water....a total ecological tragedy! Note: Agriculture Department recently has introduced new seeds for growing rice (whice is salt-resistance). Manila-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) perhaps can help these Islanders to introduce these salt-friendly seeds. Thanks

[@CarmilaNgallametta]

Wow what a beautiful island paradise beautiful people just living off the sea I love seafood thank you for sharing ❤❤❤❤

[@carlaleyva3318]

Beautiful documentary showing unnerving facts for, probably, the last generation to live in such piece of paradise. I connected with this film given it humanizes a major event we are all living. Brings understanding of a web of interlinked alarming events, such as climate change refugees, migration issues and civil rights. Well done! Congratulations to the entire team behind it!

[@DerickPiat-mo7og]

Hello lucky KZbin viewer 🙋

[@viliamesamila6481]

Such a wonderful work you've done here....never knew Ontong Java untill now.Beautiful people,hope Australia or NZ open adopt them

[@DerickPiat-mo7og]

Hello lucky KZbin viewer 🙋

[@teddykafo6442]

My big bro Glyn Kafo teaching the climate change subject. I support the call for special scholarship to be created mainly for Ontong Java students to pursue in the tertiary level.

[@pdamen82]

Beautiful to have such an insight look into their lives on these remote islands. At the same time sad to see how much climate change is already affecting these people. Beautiful documentary!

[@heleneschuijl1458]

Gus, what a wonderful documentary. you show very well how great the need is for the world to do something. I enjoyed the images and the interviews.

[@Dan-xx5jq]

When dreams of the most beautiful tropical island, this is it!!! Just incredibly beautiful!!!!! Unreal!

[@michmbolingaba7310]

Very very very touching documentary, indeed. I feel their pains. Thanks for sharing your great work with us, sir. Greetings from Johannesburg in South Africa 🇿🇦. 💖💖💖🙏🙏🤝

[@sallysade1397]

Commins is a very intelligent and culturally aware young man. Please help him help his people so they can remain for as long as they can on their island. Realistically, they will have to relocate one day, but for now they should remain where they are happy and continue to champion for the Pacific Islands. So happy that this documentary is made

[@HindsightYT]

Thank you Sally!

[@defilirs]

Well done!! Thanks for shining a light on this issue.

[@2ndMisterBurton]

Gorgeous piece of filmmaking -- not just in the vastness of its vistas, but mostly in the intimacy of its personal character! Well done Guus, I hope this will attract a large audience and further the cause of fighting climate change on each level - personal, political, societal, overall.

[@viliametiko391]

That government official is plainly sayin that the Solomon government are not concerned about the islanders livehood or their sinking island

[@SUN-V-TV]

Nice view Solomon islands thank for sharing vedio

[@gennyampaoi1352]

Am from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, immediately east of OJ. Thank you for your presentation. It tells the story of all our peoples. 40,000 years ago, our home was different. The melting ice caps changed the landscape, THEN came industrialization and modernity. It's eating our home islands extremely fast; frighteningly, as we sleep too. We have our own peoples who are suffering the impact as well; the Cateret Islanders and soon it will be the rest of our atoll islanders too. The permanent secretary of Solomons is right. Relocation does not solve all of the problem. Our rich marine economy is at stake too. SAVE OUR HOME, SAVE US. We can't lose our homes. It's our life. It's our everything.

[@jorisdaniel1566]

Beautifully done!! Really capturing the human side of the sad reality climate change here. Wonderful cinematography, beautiful shots and an engaging journey.

[@jyy9624]

My father used to go on missions for the Asian Development Bank to the Solomon Islands and the Pacific. He was always positive about the potential and he was smart

[@elsavelarde5705]

Excelente información, me encanto este video por mostrarnos lo que está sucediendo en nuestro planeta y deberíamos hacer algo pronto. En la ciudades nos parece lejano lo del calentamiento global y creemos que no hay consecuencias por ahora… sin embargo veamos que está sucediendo.

[@MikeMessiah]

I subscribed so that after 1 year when this channel has 1 mill+ subs i can say _"i was there before he had 1000 subs"_

[@coniemartin6071]

Thank you for sharing as I can see the people there are so respectful

[@tamirajansman3572]

Amazing documentary. A real eye opener that gives light to the scary fact that our modern world has so much impact on nature and life. I sincerely believe this movie could lead the viewers into a path that could stop this destructive economy.

[@bryanyuhas716]

Beautiful footage and an excellent story about the people and the tough decisions required of individuals in complex circumstances. I am pleased and hopeful that some leaders are actively organizing to create a common voice and identify options in a situation that is out of their control. Looking forward to seeing more!

[@elpidiomariano893]

Keep the worthwhile news coming; we are most intrrested to keep us abreast of the current happenings in the world we live!!? Our utmost thanks to everyone interested in helping! God Bless and God be with us!

[@elpidiomariano893]

Thank you for listening! I’m a Pilipino, 80 yr old; born n raise in the Isl. of Mindanao; left the country for 40+ yrs to see the world and find out that I came from one of the most beautiful place on earth! We heard about Climate Change and didn’t pay much attention of the real change it could have in my/our lives. Gingoog is a growing city, had its major change at the arrival of three Lumber Companies esp prior to WW2, when the seaside Gingoog idle n sleepy then! The town never had any experience about Flooding in the homes, nor heard about the SeaWater meeting with the Mountain water. Together! This was unheard of but now it is becoming a normal news when there are Typhons in the Country! I remember, my Uncle Mac accepted the position as Lumber Co. Manager of the biggest, pre-war time era, mainly to help correct the illegalpractices of cutting of forest trees by a Japanese Co! To our shame, there was no change and we pay the price! Yes, Climate Change is a reality and the world has to Adapt; God Help Us!

[@vsanj2202]

I feel very sad watching this. Thank you for showing this to the world and maybe thru this the helping hand will come to them.

[@robertpaz9321]

Really informative video! I first came to learn about climate change reading about how Venice was sinking due to rising sea levels, but this video puts into perspective how that same issue can be affecting so many other communities worldwide, its a really pressing issue..

[@marieschlenker]

Loved the footage and really enjoyed learning about the different perspectives of the locals on environmental change and relocation. Climate change is a big issue for the country as it exacerbates existing problems of environmental degradation.

[@werenesian3912]

Their community are strong! The people work together and kind. Their english lang is great too! Hope these island are far from climate change, how to think to make island keep safe from any disturbing.. this people must live to this paradise island for long time, even for forever. We can fight climate change together. I suggest dont give them internet, so much negatively/toxic behaviour and bad words could affect them. If it must, give them good lesson how to find good thing in internet. And this is great video documentary, i love it.

[@timeepicvideos]

Wow you did a awesome job on this documentary The people here really respect nature and work together

[@ethelsalini7650]

I am glad meeting you Guss.....a well documented film i watched over and over till now.

[@HindsightYT]

I'm glad to hear you liked it. That means a lot!

[@bertschuijl9468]

Awesome movie. Very impressive. So important to keep this under the spotlight in this way. Sad to see how the future has become so uncertain for them due to external factors. And how they are left to their own devices.

[@TheLastSongbird124]

Went to Guadalcanal / Honiara, Malaita in 1982, very beautiful, friendly people, no talk of ocean rise then. So sad to see what's happening now! Consider myself very lucky & fortunate to have spent time there when I did.

[@capunkmelky]

Beautiful Island & i like. Greetings from Timor Island, Indonesia :)

[@andrewwale7002]

Thanks for showing the world this real time documentary. Please come visit us again.

[@nellyglasmacher932]

WOW so insightful :) great video and so many good insights into the effects of climate change in the pacific. And what a beautiful place to visit

[@rnunezc.4575]

Great documentary, one of best i ve seen. Muchas gracias amigo!.❤

[@rollandhill97]

Great piece!...very touching documentary. Sad reality of climate crises in paradise.

[@tommourik]

Very touching story indeed. Great documentary!

[@willoverbagh2402]

Excellent job not only capturing the beauty, reality, and urgency of whats happening at Ontong Java.... but also what steps are being to taken toward solutions. So much more to work on with these communities but this and others are massive steps towards raising awareness and helping those who need it most to adapt and problem solve. Great work Guus and Iggy!!

[@koenschuijl1744]

What an inspiring documentary you have made. Very nice how you made it and very clearly what problem you want to make known. I hope you will reach many people with this documentary

[@DerickPiat-mo7og]

Hello lucky KZbin viewer 🙋

[@staceymakaike6126]

This is my home🥺thank you for sharing my beautiful islands, climate change have taken some islands which disappear as time have gone.HOPE THERE IS A CHANGE AND HOPE FOR MY BEAUTIFUL ONTONG JAVA.

[@DeihanDzilky]

*_Di INDONÉSIA juga ada pulau yang namanya hampir sama yaitu Pulau "Untung Jawa"..._*

[@DeihanDzilky]

👌😎👍

[@wengayounitednasionalissej7177]

MUNGKIN PULAU INI DULU PERNAH DISINGGAHI OLEH VOC BELANDA... PULAU INI DIKIRA BELANDA MIRIP DENGAN PULAU UNTUNG JAWA DI JAKARTA

[@Ajibaskara681]

Di Indonesia Jawa bukan ontong Jawa

[@scottfuriofa2237]

Thank you for sharing my homeland to the world.🙏🇸🇧

[@LhiaMarie]

I hope something can be done to save this beautiful island. It will break my heart if people will have to relocate in the future because the island is no longer safe to live in.

[@philliplyn2692]

Loving this one thanks for sharing very information blessed love to all knowledge is power hopefully everyone pays attention keep up the good work love the food and the culture 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@lifapereira9397]

So Beautiful place. Heart touching story. of this island people. God bless and keep safe them 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@islandgirl1796]

Awwwwww.....what an emotional documentary 😢.....awww, very touching..

[@chrissoso1971]

Love it, Great documentary .

[@TomWhalley-dt9wn]

I am from Papua New Guinea and watching this video is quite sad.l was in the Solomon Islands in 2010 and have seen how the people live. Climate change is really affecting them.

[@chisomonthinda]

at 26min.. I love the fact that he shared these wonderful ideas. with the challenges that these islands are facing. I hope people can get involved and help them bring these solutions to realization

[@samuelhenkven]

Ontong Java its sound very similar to Oentoeng Java or in now called Untung Jawa island in north java sea part of jakarta region.. interesting to track their relative in ancient day as a sailor going to east

[@gracekouvali6903]

It's so sad to see the islanders leave their beautiful and pristine islands to live in a polluted and filthy environment in the city.

[@berge4life]

Im from Solomon islands too but knew nothing about the situation affecting these people untill I watch your video. Thanks so much for revealing the needs of these people. The government must now plan ahead to relocate them in the future. Allocate some fundings to help and do more research on agriculture. There should be more planning and research that the government needs to do and now is the time.

[@soltovar]

Great documentary!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@timrokomasi8287]

It's happening everywhere in the south Pacific especially and elsewhere in the world, wantoks, you're not alone there. We feel for you and we understand your anxieties, it's happening in Tonga,Tuvalu, Samoa,Fiji and elsewhere..other than that be brave and take hard decisions and maybe take the heartwrenching decision to relocate elsewhere.

[@kanikileprohi8924]

Thank you for your beautiful presentation and the visual expose of Ongtong Java. I am from Micronesia and many of our islands; the low lying atolls share similar plight of sea level rise. We all need to employ reasonable marine engineering and farming to at least delay irreversible damage being let lose on small island communities. Maybe in the foreseeable future, more permanent solutions can be invented and applied to salvage our disappearing cultures. The world share a common invisible enemy, depending on where you live; all of us will eventually run smack right into it: the fast growing population. Re-location will not solve this problem; only you can!

[@mookie.temple]

So interesting. I’m Tokelauan and we call Ontong Java, Luaniua. There’s another island in Solomon’s that we call Laloata.

[@mmilhazes]

WOW!! Awesome documentary!! So sad for the people from ontong!!

[@pustakarileks7404]

Hii. I'm from Java Indonesia, happy to know this community, sad because climate change affected them 😢. I wanna dig out about ontong java, what i know ontong is like "untung" in indonesia which means lucky

[@pustakarileks7404]

@@Nagin-zt6sc hey, where are you come from, ontong java? Nice to meet you

[@pustakarileks7404]

@@Nagin-zt6sc oh wow, new knowledge, thanks 👍

[@mohdfahmi8841]

Bestnya

[@edwardedward7710]

Im from sri lanka this documentary realy chock me god bless you ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏

[@hungnguyentv5112]

The sea is so beautiful, I wish you good health and much success

[@petervanrhoon433]

Very relevant mini doc. In the near future this will be literally paradise lost. It's also the story of a culture and community that are literally drowning. Most painful of it all: it can be avoided.

[@CML95018]

Heartbreaking to see these beautiful islands slowly disappear 💔

[@ghabilihabennywally9354]

Thankyou Hindsight channel bringing to us our friends on the Solomon Island with their current lifestyle. Especially their greater concern on sea rise due to climate change seriously affecting their future with little hope. The only best option is trusting God Who created these islands and the people for HI s Supernatural intervention to save the island and the people. I can identify with them their greatest concern for the future especially the younger generation. I pray Lord Jesus that you come to their add sooner than latter please. My intercession prayers from the highland mountain ⛰ of Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬 Asaro Mudman Tribe.

[@dfabba9938]

Best documentaries on KZbin by far BUT far too many frequent adverts...more than any other channel I follow...

[@hedleyneo4536]

Bro lam from Solomon lsland And thanks for that documentary Its bring news to our closest friend around Pacific smallest lsland

[@VOLightPortal]

I think it's best idea for the islanders to start looking into building / converting buildings into floating homes and communities. I was thinking they could fortify the islands with tall elongated pole barriers around the perimeter to keep the sand in - and gradually elevate the island and all the structures and plant life so they are several meters above sea level, but that would require astronomical amount of resources to accomplish. Floating communities might be more feasible. They would still need a way to keep all the sand, soil, and ecosystems on float for future food security, so it doesn't just get washed away and wasted.

[@Ahmedmohamed-qj5xc]

اللهم اهدني وعصاه الأنس والجن وكل الذريات دعوه لهدايتك وكل العالم احفظها وانشرها لتأخذ ثواب هدايتهم ❤❤❤

[@brendantuwen]

It 2023 now ... Any updates on what's the Government is doing on this matter? It's really breaks my heart to see such a tragic thing affecting their way of life... In North Solomons(Bougainville) our Carteret atols are also been affected by the exactly same thing and an impact is the same as this wonderful people facing. But the Catholic church have already secured a land for them on the mainland Bougainville island and now first lots they're staying their.

[@JohnMamu]

❤ Maybe they enjoyed their livehood on the beautiful island.i do hope and pray that if it come to worse there are options for our people.God never leave Them desperate ❤

[@cameroninomae9820]

Awesome documentary on how our small islands been affected by climate change.

[@novansahputra]

Really interesting. In the north of Java Island, Indonesia, there is also an island called Untung Jawa, with the same pronunciation as Ontong Java Island. Untung Jawa Island is only 30 minutes from Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. It is named Untung Jawa because the people of this island came from Java, and there is luck (untung) in this island.

[@wengayounitednasionalissej7177]

MUNGKIN PULAU INI DULU PERNAH DISINGGAHI OLEH VOC BELANDA... PULAU INI DIKIRA BELANDA MIRIP DENGAN PULAU UNTUNG JAWA DI JAKARTA

[@CharitySolomon-qf2sc]

Thanks heaps for the videoy . Yes Cylimate change is real and God has right solution not just any solution for such prblem,❤❤❤

[@AhmadFathoni-sv9dr]

Turut prihatin solomon island nampak terkena dampak pemanasan global, smga bisa diatasi

[@ehonitalo]

great insight

[@joharitalib781]

Amazing place

[@nikgold]

great job! it is sad that people suffer there (

[@boivilla7458]

The wold we are in is a living and alive world....it changes shape...position of things and temperature.... For short....nothing is permanent....human have to adjust with nature....not nature to adjust with human .so enjoy everything you have for now....because tomorrow its gone....and even tomorrow may never come.

[@horekere]

Nice. Similar name with Untung Jawa Island in Jakarta's Pulau Seribu islands in Indonesia.

[@wengayounitednasionalissej7177]

MUNGKIN PULAU INI DULU PERNAH DISINGGAHI OLEH VOC BELANDA... PULAU INI DIKIRA BELANDA MIRIP DENGAN PULAU UNTUNG JAWA DI JAKARTA

[@4yearsago343]

Major contributor which causes of sinking tiny islands : 1. Nonstop reclamations of coastals and sandbar of any country which pushes the water to other areas 2. Gigantic cruise ships and it's kind and aircraft carriers on the ocean 3. Deep wells 4. Climate change.

[@avivahbenjamin1103]

How beautiful and nice people