Nauru is offering citizenship for $105,000 to fund relocation due to climate threats. President David Adeang stresses proactive measures against climate change. The initiative aims for substantial revenue while preventing exploitation of the citizenship program. Nauru’s efforts reflect broader trends of climate resilience initiatives, joining countries like Dominica in similar pursuits.
Nauru, a small island nation in the Pacific, is offering citizenship for $105,000 (over Rs 91.44 lakh) as part of a new initiative to combat climate change. This “golden passport” scheme aims to generate funds for relocating its population of 12,500 residents to safer, higher ground, due to threats posed by rising sea levels, storm surges, and coastal erosion.
President David Adeang emphasized the necessity of proactive measures for the nation’s survival, stating, “While the world debates climate action, we must take proactive steps to secure our nation’s future.” To maintain the integrity of the program, those with criminal backgrounds will be ineligible for citizenship, aiming to prevent exploitation.
Historically, previous citizenship programs have faced challenges, including misuse. For instance, a scandal arose in the mid-1990s when two individuals with alleged Al-Qaeda connections were arrested with Nauru passports.
Kirstin Surak, an associate professor at the London School of Economics, noted that such citizenship initiatives enable individuals to develop “global lives,” particularly assisting those with limited passport options. This latest citizenship initiative provides visa-free entry to 89 countries, including the UK and UAE, bolstering its attractiveness.
The government anticipates raising over $5.6 million in its first year, with projections that may reach around $42 million annually, which could represent 19% of total government revenue. Additionally, the implementation of the program will be cautiously monitored for any potential unintended consequences, underscored by the CEO of the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program.
Nauru’s efforts are part of a broader trend, as other nations like Dominica have similarly launched citizenship-by-investment programs to finance climate resilience. Dominica aims to become the world’s first climate-resilient nation by 2030, leveraging proceeds from its ongoing program since 1993.
In summary, Nauru’s innovative approach to address the climate crisis through the offering of citizenship for financial support underscores the urgency of climate action. With the added commitment to preventing exploitation and the potential for significant revenue generation, Nauru sets a precedent for other small nations facing similar environmental challenges. This initiative not only aims to safeguard the nation’s future but also integrates into a global movement seeking sustainable solutions for vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
