What if you could start a new society on a tiny island in the middle of the ocean? What would you keep, what would you discard, what new ways of living might emerge?
The Travelling Embassy of Rockall is collecting ideas towards a new society - and we want your help.
North Atlantic: 57° 35’ 48’’ N 13° 41’ 19’’ W
(424 km northwest from the nearest point of Ireland).
Rock’s basis: 624 m2
Top of a peralkaline granite volcanic rock. The granite is a mix of minerals: 22% quartz, 53% feldspar, 23% ferromagnesian minerals and 2% of others.
Serene probability: 10%
Overcast probability: 70% - 80%
Rain per year: 1150 mm
Average temperature: 6°C - 12°C
Other then some worms, clams and snails you won’t find that many animals on land. Some birds take a pit stop on the island while crossing the atlantic, which is notable by the white coloring at the top of the rock.
The UK, Ireland, Iceland and Denmark have tried to claim the island. Most likely not for its beauty or the value of the rock itself, but for the surrounding natural resources. By claiming the island they would extend their exclusive economic zone.
So far, none of these claims have been recognised by the UN, because no claimant has been able to fulfill one simple law...
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Article 121 states:
“rocks which cannot sustain human habitation or economic life of their own shall have no exclusive economic zone or continental shelf”.
No country has managed to install a permenant population on Rockall. Therefore, according to the United Nations, the island belongs to noone.
... we would make it a habitable and liveable place?
We could start imagining a new country, a new system and a new way of life.
fresh water, food, shelter, clothing, sanitation
education, fun, healthcare, social life
To make an isolated, small rock in the wild parts of the North Atlantic habitable we’ll need some innovative technology. We have to think about off-the-grid living, sustainable energy, food production, sanitation and clothing. At the same time, it should be a place that’s worth living in. To achieve that we’ll need to discuss social systems, a constitution, sustainability and find a way to have some fun as well.
This is where The Travelling Embassy of Rockall steps into the picture. The Embassy will move from place to place collecting ideas, products and innovations, while bringing fun and discussion to every city.
In 2016, Rockall Embassy will visit Reykjavík, Iceland. You can apply for citizenship while drinking a cup of coffee, listen to live music, enjoy the art, play around, or get involved in interesting talks and debates.
You'll find us at Vesturbugt, in the old harbour, from July 1st to September 30th.
We’re hard at work on the programme for the summer festival. We're actively looking for ideas, collaborators, volunteers and performers (and funding!).
If you’ve read this far - we’d like to talk. Write to team@rockall.is, comment on our blog, or connect with us on your favourite social media.
The Travelling Embassy of Rockall
Fiskilóð 79,
101 Reykjavík, Iceland
kt. 470316-1790
team@rockall.is
+354 783 3986
