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Protecting Culture and Marine Ecosystems Under the Law in Micronesia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2012

Sam Edwards
Affiliation:
Environmental Studies Program, Green Mountain College. Email: [email protected]

Abstract

Traditional culture and marine ecosystems are two important resources that are disappearing at alarming rates worldwide. Islands are places where culture and the marine environment are intertwined and offer the best locales to address this threat. Disasters such as shipwrecks and oil spills damage both culture and the environment, yet the legal system does not permit full recovery. This research advances a new tort theory of cultural and ecosystem damage to compensate victims in marine damage cases. Specifically this research investigates theories of recovery in the Federated States of Micronesia since Micronesia is in an ideal position to recognize this new damage theory. Micronesia can help establish precedents that other jurisdictions can follow to help preserve the culture and the marine ecosystems upon which they rely.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © International Cultural Property Society 2012

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