Buada Lagoon
Buada
Buada Lagoon, located in the Buada district of Nauru, is the island nation's only true lake and the largest freshwater body on the island. Despite its name, it is not a coastal lagoon but an endorheic lake with slightly brackish water, covering approximately 3.8 hectares with depths reaching up to 5 meters after heavy rainfall. The lagoon occupies a karstic depression formed by the dissolution of coral limestone and lies about 1.3 kilometers inland, surrounded by remnants of tropical forest that once covered most of Nauru. Its waters have historically supported pisciculture, particularly the raising of milkfish, a practice that was prevalent until the 1960s and is now seeing revival efforts despite challenges such as water pollution. The surrounding vegetation includes native species like tamanu and tropical almond trees, as well as various ferns, parasitic plants, and some invasive species like water hyacinth. Buada Lagoon's ecological and cultural significance is heightened by its rarity as a freshwater source on an island otherwise devoid of rivers and streams, making it a vital natural feature for Nauru.
ヒント: The best time to visit Buada Lagoon is during or shortly after the monsoon season (November to February) when water levels are highest and the surrounding forest is lush. Visitors interested in local ecology and traditional practices should consider guided tours to learn about the lagoon's flora, fauna, and historical fish farming. Due to its ecological sensitivity and pollution concerns, visitors should respect the natural environment and avoid disturbing the water or vegetation. There are no formal entrance fees, but local guides may be available. Advance arrangements may be necessary due to the lagoon's remote location.
興味深い事実
- •Buada Lagoon is the only true lake in Nauru and is classified as an endorheic lake with no outflow to the sea.
- •The lagoon's water is slightly brackish with about 2% salt concentration and a basic pH of 8.
- •It occupies a karstic bowl formed by the dissolution of coral limestone, a geological process unique on the island.
- •Traditional milkfish farming was practiced here for centuries and is now being revived despite pollution challenges.
- •The surrounding vegetation represents remnants of the tropical forest that once covered 90% of Nauru before phosphate mining.
- •Invasive water hyacinth was first reported in the lagoon in 1993, threatening local ecology.
歴史
Buada Lagoon formed in a karstic depression of coral limestone on Nauru's central plateau, a geological feature resulting from ground sagging and dissolution processes.
It has been a traditional site for pisciculture, notably milkfish farming, for centuries, which ceased in the 1960s but has recently been revived.
The lagoon's basin was never mined for phosphate ore, unlike much of the surrounding plateau, preserving its natural state.
During World War II, parts of the surrounding wetlands were damaged, affecting local vegetation.
The lagoon remains a crucial freshwater resource in an island nation lacking rivers or streams.
場所ガイド
Buada Lagoon Basin
The oval-shaped lagoon basin spans approximately 3.8 hectares and lies within a karstic depression formed by coral limestone dissolution. It is the largest freshwater body on Nauru, with depths ranging from 1 to 5 meters depending on rainfall.
Surrounding Tropical Forest
The forest around the lagoon is a relic of the island's original tropical vegetation, featuring species such as tamanu, tropical almond, kapok, and various ferns and parasitic plants. It provides habitat for diverse flora and supports local fruit and vegetable cultivation.