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By Georgia Lee

The northeast coast of Isla de Pascua is spectacular. A dirt road runs inland from the coastline, and on both sides of the road one can see ruins of shrines, fallen stone statues, and other evidence of the old culture of Rapa Nui. There are few trees. Horses graze amongst the ruins. The ocean along this part of the coast varies from pale turquoise to deep blue, and great waves crash on the rocky shore. As one continues north, the lovely sheltered cove known as Ovahe comes into view, with its pink sand beach. This wild and pristine area appears doomed by what many think is an ill-advised plan to build a port right in the middle of the coastline, at La Pérouse Bay.

The island can use a good port and the Chilean Navy is interested in having a port facility on the island. However, a port now exists on the west coast, near the island’s only village, Hanga Roa. Instead of focusing efforts on the existing port, which already has caused major destruction to the archaeological sites there, there are plans to build another port at La Pérouse Bay. It will be an archaeological disaster and will destroy the lovely ambiance of the north coast.

The projected new 70 meter long port will have cement pads for container shipping of cargo headed to the western Pacific and the Far East. A staging area will be needed for containers to be loaded and off-loaded. Electricity will be brought in, cranes, and various structures to house equipment.

One reasoning for the port, aside from the shipping of cargo, is said to be the need for disembarking tourists from the large tour ships that occasionally pass by the island. If seas are heavy, they cannot bring passengers ashore. However, tour ships number around three per year, and stay at the island less than one day.

Already archaeological studies are being conducted at La Pérouse to "mitigate" the loss of the island’s heritage. Many Rapa Nui islanders are outraged by the thought of the desecration that will occur; those in favor of "progress" are pushing the project forward. But they do not realize that tourists who come to the island (and tourism is the most viable "industry" for the island) are there to see and experience the evocative ruins and unspoiled landscape, not to have an ugly commercial port placed in the midst of an otherwise natural area.

On March 22, 1996, UNESCO declared Easter Island a Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad (World Heritage Site), a condition that establishes an obligation to the Chilean government to watch over the island’s preservation and protection. UNESCO representatives praised the island’s unique qualities and impressive heritage, urging Chile to maintain the island’s exceptional natural characteristics. And yet plans for the port at La Pérouse are going forward.

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