海洋岛屿 26

It's a remarkable achievement

And not one that is shared by all

who have made a home in the South Pacific.

Lost in the vastness of this ocean is an island

with a legendary tale of over-exploitation.

This was once the most inaccessible island in the world.

When the first people arrived here 1,000 years ago

Easter Island was a paradise

Thought to be richer in wildlife than even the Galapagos.

Back then, its hills were cloaked with a forest of giant palms.

It was also home to one of the largest seabird colonies in the South Pacific.

Initially, life must have been easy for the Easter Islanders, the Rapa Nui.

And with time on their hands

They set to work carving huge stone statues known as moai.