3.3+Feedback+from+Command

//Dear Command,// //We have encountered some curly questions in the last week or so of investigations.// //Question 1: Will our settlements be entirely self sufficient from the start? By this I mean, we can only sustain ourselves from the food sources available, build using the building materials and create a completly insular community.// //Question 2: If not, what kind of budget should we expect to have?// //Question 3: What kind of building materials will we have available and are we allowed to introduce foreign species of flora and fauna for agrucultural purposes?// //Question 4: Are we allowed to build an economy of trade with other nations?//

[|nickycarr] Jul 29, 2011 3:24 pm Lots of questions!! I will take the opportunity to answer your questions with more questions. 1. Does sustainability mean the same thing as self-sufficiency?? I think they are two different concepts. 2. As for budget, that is an interesting question. How much do you think you need?? 3. You are able to exploit any of the natural resources available on The Island, but you may also bring in other materials. You should, however, consider the sustainability implications of what you bring in. 3. Yes you may introduce species of flora and fauna that are not indigenous to The Island. Again, think carefully about what species though - do you think rabbits, cats, foxes or cane toads would be appropriate? Apply some criteria to your selection of both plants and animals that you wish to introduce. [|nickycarr] Jul 29, 2011 3:25 pm Oops, pressed the post button prematurely. Question 4 - if you don't build trade with other nations how will you fund the purchase of goods and services that your communities demand that can't be supplied by The Island? What will you trade??
 * re: Settlement Conundrums**
 * re: Settlement Conundrums**

//Hi Command,// //Just wondering if any exploration of the surrounding seabed of the island has been conducted? Some parts of the Pacific Ocean have previously revealed deposits of gold, iron zinc etc This could provide a source of income for the Island and be managed in an environmentally sensitive way. This would leave the island itself intact.//

[|nickycarr] Sandy you are right about the mineral deposits. Early exploration of the sea bed within the Island's economic zone are suggestive of gold and zinc. However, the ocean depth prevented more definitive findings (see my response to your next message) Command
 * re: Off Shore**

//Hello again Command,// //I should probably rephrase the previous question. Has there been any subsequent exploration or further analysis of mineral deposits oth// //er than just the early analysis results which were somewhat vague?//

[|nickycarr] No - there hasn't been any subsequent exploration. There are promising signs of mineral deposits as you mentioned in your previous posting, but the ocean depths in this part of the Pacicic are at times extreme. There is a deep ocean trench very close to the last exploration site making exploration very dangerous and requiring specialised equipment to cope with the pressures and temperatures that operate at this depth. The last exploration mission had to stop at a depth of 1500m, but indications are that the trench gets even deeper. 
 * re: OFF SHORE**

[|nickycarr] Sandy you are right about the mineral deposits. Early exploration of the sea bed within the Island's economic zone are suggestive of gold and zinc. However, the ocean depth prevented more definitive findings (see my response to your next message) Command ||
 * || **re: Off Shore**

//Our settlement is located at the source of the river located at the western end of the island.(river runs in a north to south direction)Firstly is the water drinkable? Secondly if so are the flows suitable to support a hydroelectric system? Thirdly if pevious questions have a favourable response, can we import turbines and machinery as required?// //Force command has previously supported the concept of satellite phones can we use the same infrastructure for a internet system also?//

[|nickycarr] Aug 1, 2011 3:30 pm In answer to all your questions - YES!!
 * re: Water and hydroelectricty**

The rivers at the western end of The Island are in the part of The Island that receive the heaviest rainfall. They are also in the steepest terrain - which suggests all that water needs to move downhill at a fairly rapid rate. This is particularly the case in the wet season, when rainfall is extreme in the catchment area. And yes, if you have been monitoring the other discussions you are able to import machinery and anything else you can justify. You still have to ask yourself - is this a sustainable solution? (note the distinction between sustainability and self-sufficiency - it is an important one). And yes, if you can demonstrate that satellite is a sustainable solution to communications needs then you can have it for Internet too