Makatea

Makatea is an atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia, located approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of Rangiroa and 230 kilometers (143 miles) northeast of Tahiti. It is one of the few elevated atolls in the Tuamotu Islands, meaning its coral reef has been uplifted above sea level, forming a raised island with steep cliffs. The island's name, Makatea, translates to "white rock" in Tahitian, referring to the extensive deposits of phosphate rock that were once mined there.

The island was inhabited by Polynesians for centuries before European contact. In the early 20th century, Makatea became a significant source of phosphate, and its population grew considerably due to the mining operations. The company Pacific Phosphate Company established a settlement and infrastructure, including a small port and a railway. However, by the 1960s, the phosphate reserves were depleted, and the mining ceased. This led to a dramatic decline in the island's population, and most of the former inhabitants left.

Today, Makatea is sparsely populated, with only a handful of permanent residents. The abandoned mining infrastructure remains a prominent feature of the landscape. The island's natural beauty, with its dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and clear waters, attracts a small number of adventurous tourists and divers. Access to Makatea is challenging, typically requiring chartered flights or boats. Efforts are underway to explore sustainable development opportunities for the island while preserving its unique environment.