The southwest Pacific island is of special interest because it appears to have achieved sustainable development. In island of 1.8 square miles and 1,200 inhabitants, it is described by Jared Diamond as being "micromanaged for continuous and sustainable food production" *

Tikopia's conservation methods have been developed over three thousand years, a period in which slash-and-burn agriculture was practiced and abandoned, bird and marine life have been overexploited, and pigs were raised until it was found they consumed more food than they provided - 10 pounds of vegetables for one pound of pork. Whereupon the islanders reached a collective decision to slaughter all pigs.

Population control is a key element in the island's stability. Over the millennia, infanticide, abortion, coital control, suicide and conflict have been the means of keeping the population level at about 1200 people. With western influence in the early 20th century, "reforms" led to a rapid increase, which was reversed by cyclones and starvation in 1952. Subsequent measures returned the numbers to their traditional level. This is a microcosmic illustration of how a progress trap can emerge and be averted. Agricultural methods are not modern, and according to the Wiki entry, ancient customs and traditions are proudly maintained. **

The islanders have a keen sense of their isolation. They are familiar with each other, with the island and its limited resources. Could this be the ideal size and population for a sustainable community?

References:
 * Diamond, Jared. Collapse, Viking Pengin, New York, 2005
** Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tikopia

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