Palm tree branches are used as a simple measure to respond to the imminent threat of coastal erosion – due to rising waters and habitat destruction – on Tarawa Atoll in Kiribati.

Inserted into the sand, the spoon-shaped branches constitute an ideal barrier, causing sea currents to slow down and deposit sand material into the concave inner surface of the leaf branch. Sand mounds are thus created which gradually elevate coastline embankments, allowing aquatic plants such as mangroves to grow and secure the beach.