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Government of the Republic of Kiribati

Kiribati Integrated Environment Policy

Vision Statement: -“The People of Kiribati continue to enjoy a safe and healthy environment that is resilient to the impacts of globalclimate change and supports livelihoods, human health, and sustainable development”

Coordinated by Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) of Ministry of Environment, Lands and AgricultureDevelopment (MELAD)

December 2012

Kiribati Integrated Environment Policy 2

FOREWORD

The Kiribati Integrated Environment Policy (KIEP) is a key strategic policy document that marks an important milestone for theGovernment of Kiribati. It sets a solid policy platform for long term planning and action to respond to priority environmental issues, inparticular the impacts of global climate change on our islands. It is a statement of intent and a document providing guidance and directionfor government, local communities, development partners and all other stakeholders. This document is particularly relevant for 2012 theyear of Rio+20 as we take stock of what we have done since the Earth Summit in 1992 and look to the future.

The KIEP is formulated through a 3 year broad based consultation process with government, private sector, Non-GovernmentOrganizations (NGOs), Community Support Organizations (CSO), outer islands and regional organizations like the Secretariat of thePacific Environment Programme (SPREP). The consultation process proved to be a challenge due to the broad coverage of theenvironment sector.

The Government of Kiribati recognizes the environment as one of the three important pillars of sustainable development. Theenvironment, its goods and its services is the foundation of livelihoods, human health and economy in Kiribati. It formed our culture andheritage and shapes the unique custom, traditions and way of living of the Kiribati people. This harmonious interaction with our atollenvironment has sustained our people since time immemorial and needs to continue to do so.

People will always rely heavily on the environment to service their needs. Protecting, managing and utilizing the environment sustainablebasis are vital, especially in a low-lying nation like Kiribati. Like many other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and LeastDeveloped Countries (LDC), Kiribati has suffered heavily the impacts of globalization in particular global climate change. The transitionfrom a traditional subsistence lifestyle to a contemporary market-based economy, has brought with it key environmental challenges thatadversely affect the overall health of the environment. Some of these key environmental challenges like the loss of island biodiversity,waste and pollution and the unsustainable use of natural resources are further magnified by the impacts of global climate change.

These challenges are most apparent in the heavily populated urban centres of Betio, South Tarawa and increasingly on Kiritimati Island.Increased human population, urbanization at alarming levels, degradation of the natural environment due to increased generation of non-biodegradable wastes and pollution put both the environment and economy under tremendous strain.

The KIEP recognizes and is intended to support and complement all other government strategic policy documents. It integrates all thethematic plans and strategies within the Environment and Conservation Division’s mandate into a single strategic framework document. Itwill facilitate ‘on the ground’ implementation of the environment key policy area of the Kiribati Development Plan 2012 – 2015. Thus,


the KIEP will enhance the Government’s effort to mainstream the environment into the national development planning as well asassisting to provide a framework that would assist line Ministries, development partners, communities and other stakeholders toeffectively contribute to our collective actions to address environmental problems. This initiative is the first of its kind in the PacificIslands region that also assists to set the scene by SPREP to replicate in other Pacific Islands as relevant.

We have learnt a lot during the formulation of the KIEP. The main lesson is the need to work together and as the National Political FocalPoint for the environment, I invite and challenge you to join me in using the KIEP to make this implementation practical, concrete and areality to fulfil the KIEP’s Vision:

“The People of Kiribati continue to enjoy a safe and healthy environment that is resilient to the impacts of global climate change andsupports livelihoods, human health, and sustainable development”

Ami bwai Te Mauri, Te Raoi ao Te Tabomoa.

Kam bati n rabwa.

_________________Honourable Minister – Tiarite KwongMinister for Environment, Lands and Agriculture Development


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The development of the Kiribati Integrated Environment Policy (KIEP) is a notable national initiative on mainstreaming environment inthe national development planning and this could not be accomplished without the contributions of many people.

An acknowledgement of the contributions of national key stakeholders during the three broad based consultations undertaken in Augustand December (2011) and January (2012) and thematic working groups meetings, which led to the formulation of the KIEP draft andfinalization. These national stakeholders made up the various environment project committees including the Climate Change Study Team(CCST), Sustainable Land Management (SLM), National Biodiversity Planning Committee (NBPC), National Chemical CoordinatingCommittee (NCCC) and Waste Management Committee. These stakeholders include;

1. Office of Te Beretitenti (OB)2. Ministry of Communication, Transport and Tourism Development (MCTTD)3. Ministry of Commerce Industry and Cooperatives (MCIC)4. Ministry of Education (MoE)5. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agriculture Development (MELAD)6. Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MFED)7. Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development (MFMRD)8. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI)9. Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS)10. Ministry of Internal and Social Affairs (MISA)11. Ministry of Public Works and Utilities (MPWU)12. Ministry of Labour and Human Resources Development (MLHRD)13. Ministry of Line & Phoenix Islands Development (MLPID)

Acknowledging the contributions of the State Own Enterprises (KOIL and PUB), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) which includethe University of the South Pacific (USP), United Nations Development Programme, Kiribati Association of Non-GovernmentOrganizations (KANGO), Councils and Churches. Also appreciating the inputs received from the Outer Islands consultations undertakenduring 2009 to 2011 including but not limited to Butaritari, Marakei, Abaiang, North Tarawa, Maiana, Aranuka, Abemama, TabiteueaNorth and Onotoa


The support by the Secretaries in releasing their respective Officers to attend the series of consultations during the initial stage of thedevelopment of the KIEP and the subsequent submission of critical comments on the draft is acknowledged.

The support and guidance provided by the MELAD present and former admin officers throughout the whole process is recognized.

The inspiration of the former Director of the Environment and Conservation Division, Mrs. Tererei Abete-Reema, her leadership insecuring the approval for the development of the KIEP and for galvanizing a strong support from staff in undertaking this nationalimportant work. Also recognizing the perseverance and unwavering support and determination by the present and former Environmentand Conservation Division staff in the whole process in undertaking the ground work including the contribution in the drafting.

A special acknowledgement of the invaluable technical assistance provided by the Environmental Monitoring and Governance Divisionof the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP): Mr. Sefanaia Nawadra (Director), Dr. Jill Key (CapacityDevelopment Adviser), Mr. Tepa Suaesi (Environment Officer) and Ms. Easter Galuvao (Biodiversity Advisor) are all gratefullyacknowledged.

We would like to acknowledge the kind financial support provided by the Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs) project for theAfrica-Caribbean-Pacific (ACP) funded by the European Union (EU), implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP) and executed in the Pacific by SPREP; the Programme of Work on Protected Areas (POWPA) implemented through UNOPs, theClimate Change Second National Communications (SNC), and the Sustainable Land Management (SLM) both Global EnvironmentFacility (GEF) funded projects implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).


LIST OF ACRONYMS

ALD Agriculture and Livestock Division

AusAID Australian Assistance for International Development

BTC Betio Town Council

CBPA Community-based Protected Area

CDRC Curriculum Development and Resources Centre

CI Conservation International

CMNPHS College of Medicine, Nursing and Public Health Sciences

CSO Civil Society Organizations

EC European Commission

ECD Environment and Conservation Division

EHU Environment Health Unit

EPU Economic Planning Unit

ESAT Environmentally Safe Aggregates Tarawa

EU European Union

EHU Environmental Health Unit

FFA Forum Fisheries Agency

FNU Fiji National University

IUCN International Union of Conservation Nations

ITPGFRA Treaty on Plant Genetic Resource for Food and Agriculture

JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency

KANGO Kiribati Association of Non-governmental Organisations

KCCI Kiribati Chamber of Commerce and Industry


KDP Kiribati Development Plan

KiriCAN Kiribati Climate Action Network

KPA Kiribati Ports Authority

KHC Kiribati Housing Corporation

KPS Kiribati Police Services

KMS Kiribati Meteorological Station

KNTO Kiribati National Tourism Office

KUC Kiritimati Urban Council

LMD Lands Management Division

MEA Multi Environment Agreement

MCTTD Ministry of Communication, Tourism and Transport Development

MCIC Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives

MELAD Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agriculture Development

MFAI Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration

MFED Ministry of Finance and Economic Development

MFMRD Ministry of Fisheries, Mineral and Resources Development

MHMS Ministry of Health and Medical Services

MISA Ministry of Internal and Social Affairs

MLHRD Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development

MOE Ministry of Education

MOP Ministry Operational Plan

MPWU Ministry of Public Works and Utilities

NEPO National Economic Planning Office

NGO Non-Government Organization


NSO National Statistics Office

NZAID New Zealand Assistance for International Development

OAG Office of the Attorney General

OB Office of Te-Beretitenti

PET Polyethylene terephthalate

PNA Party to the Nauru Agreement

PSO Public Service Office

PUB Public Utilities Board

SLM Sustainable Land Management

SOPAC Pacific Islands Applied Geosciences Commission

SPC Secretary of the Pacific Community

SPREP Secretariat of the Pacific Environment Programme

TUC Teinainano Urban Council

WEU Water Engineering Unit

UDP Urban Development Project

UNCBD United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Biological Diversity

UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Land Degradation and Droughts

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

USP University of the South Pacific


TABLE OF CONTENT

FOREWORD

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

1 POLICY FRAMEWORK1.1 Environment and Development Context1.2 Rationale for a Kiribati Integrated Environment Policy1.3 Process of KIEP Formulation1.4 Vision Statement1.5 Mandate and Scope of the Policy1.6 Policy Goal and Objectives1.7 Roles and Responsibilities1.8 Consultation and Coordination1.9 Regional and Global Environment Frameworks

2 GUIDING PRINCIPLES2.1 Leadership and Good Governance2.2 Collective Responsibility for the Environment2.3 Indigenous Knowledge, Practices and Innovations2.4 Integration of the Environment and Development

3 STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT PLAN 2012-20153.1 Climate Change3.2 Biodiversity Conservation3.3 Waste Management and Pollution Control3.4 Resource Management3.5 Environmental Governance


4 HUMAN RESOURCES AND FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

5 IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND REVIEWING SCHEDULE

6 REFERENCES


1 POLICY FRAMEWORK

1.1 Environment and Development Context

The Republic of Kiribati is a small island nation consisting of 32 atolls and one raised coral island with a total land area of 800square kilometres spread over an oceanic exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 3.5 million square kilometres.Kiribati lies close tothe equator, located between latitude 4 degrees north and 11 degrees south; and longitude 170 degrees east and150 degreeswest.There are three island chains with the Gilbert Islands in the west, the Phoenix Islands in the centre and the Line Islands in theeast. Kiribati was part of the former British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands and gained its independence in 1979. In the2010 census Kiribati had a population of 103,000.

The island atolls of Kiribati support a rich culture that relies heavily on a diverse and healthy marine environment for its survival.As self-contained systems, islands are living laboratories for evolution– each one holds an irreplaceable piece of Kiribati’s naturalinheritance. Because of their isolation these islands support more rare and endangered species per capita than most other places inthe world. Kiribati’s ocean waters are amongst the most productive and least polluted on earth, it has one of the largest stocks oftuna and related pelagic species that underpins its national economy.

Since it was first settled, the people of Kiribati have relied on their natural resources for survival. They still do with an estimated80% of the population primarily living a subsistence life style. The marine environment sustains them and they depend on it forfood, transport, traditional practices and economic opportunity. On atolls the terrestrial environment is more limited but it isessential for water, food and shelter.

The transition from a traditional subsistence lifestyle to a contemporary market-based economy has brought with it keyenvironmental challenges. These challenges are most apparent in the heavily populated urban centres of Betio, South Tarawa andto a certain extent Kiritimati Island. South Tarawa is also, where over 50% of the population live. Kiribati is one of the countries’most vulnerable to global climate change and addressing the impacts of global climate change dominates the national environmentand development agenda. However Kiribati needs to address climate change in an integrated and holistic manner considering theother key areas of biodiversity conservation, waste and pollution management and sustainable use of natural resources inparticular marine and water resources. Eco-system based approaches need to be adopted to ensure that development aspirationsare sustained by natural systems. The need for behavioural change to address environmental problems, in particular wastemanagement and the critical need for pollution control on South Tarawa as the capital island to some extent, Kiritimati Island, ismost readily apparent on heavily populated urban centres but also on other Islands.


Since independence Kiribati has managed its development through a 4 year development planning cycle. The current KiribatiDevelopment Plan (KDP) 2008 -2011 had for the first time Environment as one of its Key Policy Areas (KPA 4) amongst its 6Key Policy Areas. The Kiribati government is currently in the process of reviewing this development plan and formulating theKDP 2012-2015. This Kiribati Integrated Environment Policy (KIEP) is intended to contribute to the review and revised targetsand activities of the KDP 2012-2015. It also sets the direction towards long term preparations and planning towards building andenhancing the resilience of Kiribati, its local communities and people to respond to the impacts of global climate change.

1.2 Rationale for a Kiribati Integrated Environment Policy

The environment has emerged as a Key Policy Area (KPA) of the KDP since 2008. This is a huge ‘break through success’ for theenvironment sector considering for the first time, the appearance of the environment on the development agenda for Kiribati atnational level. Building on this, MELAD seizes the opportunity to enhance the mainstreaming of the environment into the nationaldevelopment agenda, through the development of this ‘Kiribati Integrated Environment Policy’ (KIEP). This KIEP bridges thegap in fulfilling and advancing the objectives of the Kiribati National Environment Management Strategy (NEMS) that wasdeveloped in 1993. One of the objectives of the NEMS is to coordinate the various environmental activities. In the absence of areview to bring the NEMS in line with Kiribati’s current and emerging environmental issues has led to the evolution of variouskey environment thematic area plans and action strategies. The complexity of issues surrounding the implementation of theseplans and action strategies and the supporting roles of the various stakeholders from other line Ministries and civil societyprompted the need for effective mechanisms. Such mechanisms would strengthen the coordination and collaboration betweenECD MELAD and the various Government Ministries and civil society in order to enhance their collective impact andeffectiveness in addressing current and emergent environmental problems and issues in a holistic manner.

Hence, the KIEP is aimed at strengthening the coordination, collaboration and coherent implementation of the existing thematicenvironmental area plans and activities. It helps clarify the roles and responsibilities of the different networks of relevant and keysectors and stakeholders in a rapidly expanding national environmental planning regime and to develop mechanisms that willincrease effective stakeholder consultation, interaction and cooperation.

The KIEP will serve as the framework document through which, activities carried out under the Environment KPA will be guided.It does not replace the existing thematic area plans and action strategies but rather provides an integrated framework for theireffective implementation. The KIEP will be tied into the term of the Kiribati Development Plan and seeks to strengthen theenvironment pillar and in that way effectively contributes towards the sustainable development of the Republic of Kiribati. It willfollow the KDP’s monitoring and review cycle.


The KIEP is also structured in a way that reflect the important roles of other Line Ministries outside MELAD that have direct orindirect roles to supporting environment protection and management from their respective portfolios. The KIEP is a blueprintdocument that will provide direct technical support towards achieving expected outputs under the relevant strategies of this keypriority area, especially in areas concerning environment protection and management. The KIEP also provides a comprehensiveroadmap towards addressing national priority problems that affect the overall health of the environment as well as affecting theenvironment protection and management at the national level. As a roadmap, the KIEP also serves as a guide to the Environment& Conservation Division (ECD) of MELAD as the Environment Authority in Kiribati, towards long term preparations andplanning to respond to the impacts of global climate change and subsequently enhance the resilience of the environment.

1.3 Process of KIEP Formulation

The outcome of a series of outer islands and national consultations undertaken throughout Kiribati from 2009 – 2011 have beeninstrumental in identifying national priority areas that affect environmental protection and management in Kiribati. These havealso contributed to the KIEP formulation. The KIEP has been formulated through participatory consultative processes where theinitial stakeholder consultations were undertaken with various outer islands. This was followed by in depth discussions bythematic working groups on the outcomes of the consultations to come up with the first draft. The first draft was circulated tomembers of the thematic area working groups for comments. A second round of consultations was then undertaken to 9 outerislands - Butaritari, Marakei, Abaiang; North Tarawa; Beru; Tabiteuea South; Beru; and Onotoa were visited to do participatoryconsultations with stakeholders at the island, village and local community levels. This is to solicit views on the first draft and raisenew issues. The findings of the inter-island consultation together with stakeholder comments on the first draft and furtherdiscussions by the thematic groups were used to consolidate into a draft that was presented and discussed with stakeholders in ahalf day workshop on 2nd December 2011. The outcome of this second round of consultations makes up the 2nd draft which wascirculated to stakeholders for their comment on the 6th December 2011. Stakeholders were requested to submit comments byFriday 16th December, 2011.

In early January 2012, a final round of consultation was undertaken again in the form of a workshop. Stakeholders, especiallythose who have provided comments and feedbacks on the second draft of the KIEP were invited. This provided an opportunity forthe stakeholders to be updated on the latest development of the KIEP and the next stage to consider within a specified and agreedtimeframe, in working towards finalizing this KIEP. From these consultative processes, it was agreed that ECD would work withits various KIEP working group in finalizing inputs and feedbacks for the final round. The outcome of which, will form the basisof the final KIEP to be considered for the secretaries and Cabinet levels through clearance and the submission of MELADadministration.


1.4 Vision Statement

“The people of Kiribati continue to enjoy a safe and healthy environment that is resilient to the impacts of global climatechange and supports livelihoods, human health and sustainable development”

1.5 Mandate and Scope of the Policy

The Environment Unit was first established in 1992 within the then Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Development.In 1999 it was upgraded into the Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) of the Ministry of Environment and SocialDevelopment. In 2003, as a result of a ministerial reshuffle, the main powers, roles and responsibilities of the ECD are under theEnvironment Act 1999 and its amendment of 2007. It also has supporting responsibilities to a number of Acts and Ordnances suchas:

Wildlife Ordnance 1977 Quarantine Ordnance 1977 Native Land Ordnance 1977 Foreshore and Land Reclamation Ordnance 1977 Land Planning Ordnance 1977 National Disaster Act 1993 Recreation Reserves Act 1996 Minerals Development Licensing 1998 CAP 58 Public Utilities Act 1999 State lands Act 2001 Squatters Act 2005 Phoenix Island Protected Areas (PIPA) Regulations 2008 Fisheries Act 2010

Kiribati is also a Party to a number of regional and global multilateral environment and related agreements (MEAs) including the:

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Kyoto Protocol United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (UNCCD)


United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) Cartagena Protocol on Bio-safety to the Convention on Biological Diversity International Whaling Convention (IWC) Convention on the Conservation and Management of the High Seas Fishery Resources in the South Pacific Ocean Pacific Tuna Fisheries World Heritage Convention (WHC) Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer Montreal Protocol to the Vienna Convention (Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer) and its

Amendments Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Waste and their Disposal Waigani Convention London Convention International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and

Noxious Substances by Sea, 1996): Marine Pollution: UNCLOS (Chapters 1 & 12) – A MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978

relating thereto) Annexes I, II, III, IV, V and VI CLC Protocol 92 Fund Protocol 92 Bunkers Convention 2001 Anti Fouling Convention 2001 Ballast Water Management Convention 2004 SPREP Pollution Emergency (Protocol concerning Cooperation in Combating Pollution Emergencies in the South Pacific

Region) SPREP Dumping Protocol

In the early1990s, Kiribati with the assistance of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)formulated its National Environment Management Strategy (NEMS). The scope of work carried out by ECD has expanded in thelast two decades to address key environmental thematic areas:

climate change; biodiversity conservation and management;


waste management and pollution control; resource management; environmental governance.

A number of key policy and strategic actions documents exist for each thematic area:

Climate Change: First National Communication 1999; National Implementation Strategy (NIS) 2001; National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA); Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2005; Draft Climate Change Framework; National Energy Policy;

Biodiversity Conservation and Management: Kiribati Country Report; Second National Report; Fourth National Report 2010; 2nd National Report to the Cartagena Protocol on Bio-safety 2011; National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2007-2011; Key Biodiversity Area Report; Invasive Alien Species Strategic Action Plans; PIPA Management Plan 2010-2014; National Bio-safety Framework 2010;

Waste Management and Pollution Control: Draft National Waste Management Strategy; National Marine Pollution Contingency Plan; National Chemical Profile; Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) National Implementation Plan (NIP);


Capacity Assessment for the Sound Management of Chemicals and National Strategic Approach to International ChemicalManagement (SAICM) Implementation;

Electrical and Electronic Waste Baseline Study; Draft Landfill Operational Guidelines; National Programme of Action (NPA) to protect the marine environment from land based pollution activities; National HCFC Phase-out Management Plan

Resource Management: Building Code; Tarawa Water Master Plan; National Water Resources Policy 2008; National Sanitation Policy; National Action Plan (NAP) to address Land Degradation and Droughts 2007; Tarawa Lagoon Management Plan;

Environmental Governance: Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Process; National Environment Management Strategy (NEMS) 1994; State of Environment Report (SoE) 1993; State of Environment Report (SoE) 2004; National Capacity Self-Assessment (NCSA) 2011; Kiribati Development Plan 2008-2011; MELAD Ministry Operational Plan (MOP); Environment Legislative Review 1993; Draft National Environment Communication Strategy; Memorandum of Understanding for PIPA;

As stated earlier, the Kiribati Integrated Environment Policy (KIEP) does not replace these policy and strategic actions documentsand the work of their supporting stakeholder networks. Rather, it provides an integrated framework for their implementation.


1.6 Policy Goal and Objectives

The goals of this policy are key stages to be achieved within the next ten years in the planning and management of Kiribati’senvironment. These goals are set for the abovementioned five thematic areas: climate change; island biodiversity conservation andmanagement; waste management and pollution control; resource management; and environmental governance.

The table below sets out the thematic policy goals and strategic objectives. These directions form the basis of the prioritystrategies and targets for the policy implementation in the next four years and beyond that are presented in Section 3.ENVIRONMENTTHEME

POLICY GOAL STRATEGIC POLICY OBJECTIVES

Climate Change To strengthen national capacity for effectiveresponse and adaptation to climate change,with a particular focus on environmentalprotection and management

To improve knowledge, information and nationaladaptive capacity for responding and adapting toclimate change

To build on existing adaptation measures and continuewith implementation of concrete and practicaladaptation measures aimed at protecting and sustainingenvironment services

To implement mitigation measures and strengthensynergies between climate change mitigation andenvironment sustainability

To facilitate long term planning and preparations torespond to the impacts of global climate change in orderto build the resilience of the environment throughcoherent climate change programs undertaken atnational level through MELAD

IslandBiodiversityConservation&Management

To strengthen national capacity andinstitutional frameworks for the effectiveconservation, management and sustainableuse of Kiribati’s terrestrial and marinebiodiversity

To enhance the storage, protection and dissemination ofknowledge, and information to the general public on theconservation, sustainable use, and management ofisland biodiversity

To improve and strengthen national coordination,collaboration and cooperation between nationalstakeholders

To build on and strengthen national capacity and


mechanisms to effectively manage, conserve andsustainably utilize the island biodiversity at all levels ofsociety

To strengthen national capacity to effectively respondto the impacts of climate change on the islandbiodiversity

To facilitate long term planning and preparations torespond to the impacts of global climate change in orderto build the resilience of the environment throughcoherent biodiversity conservation and managementprograms undertaken at national level through MELAD

WasteManagement andPollution Control

To strengthen national capacity to ensure asafe and healthy environment for the peopleof Kiribati through effective and soundmanagement of chemical and waste

To foster behavioural changes through education,awareness raising campaigns, enforcement ofregulations, and capacity building that minimise wastegeneration and promote best waste management andpollution prevention practices

To ensure that the management of waste and control ofpollution are financially self-sustaining.

To mainstream chemical and waste management intonational development programmes

To facilitate long term planning and preparations torespond to the impacts of global climate change in orderto build the resilience of the environment throughintegrated waste management and pollution controlprograms undertaken at a national level throughMELAD

ResourceManagement

To promote the sustainable use anddevelopment of Kiribati’s non- living land,water, coastal and mineral resources

To support the implementation of effective sustainablelanduse management plans

To support the protection and conservation of limitedand vulnerable water resources

To combat the degradation and erosion of all islands’foreshores and coastal areas

To promote sustainable agriculture and soil


conservation practices To support the sustainable use and development of

mineral resources To improve education and awareness through

communication and dissemination of information To facilitate long term planning and preparations to

respond to the impacts of global climate change inorder to build the resilience of the environment throughECD overall programs undertaken at national levelthrough MELAD

EnvironmentalGovernance

To advance the development of capacitiesand systems for implementing effectiveenvironmental governance

To enhance capacities and engagement of stakeholdersfor effective environmental management andsustainable development at the individual, institutionaland systemic levels

To strengthen awareness and enforcement ofenvironmental policies and legislations

To improve monitoring and management of data forMEAs and state of the environment reporting and makethis available for national development policy andplanning processes

To facilitate long term planning and preparations torespond to the impacts of global climate change in orderto build the resilience of the environment through ECDoverall programs undertaken at national level throughMELAD

1.7 Roles and Responsibilities

The Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agriculture Development (MELAD), through its Environment and ConservationDivision (ECD), is the national environment authority in Kiribati. ECD is mandated under the Environment Act 1999 (amended in


2007) as the responsible authority for the implementation of the KIEP. ECD will be responsible for undertaking and coordinatingits implementation with MELAD administration providing the high level support and oversight role.

MELAD Administration has a critical role in the approval for the implementation of the KIEP at national, outer islands and villagelevels. The Secretary for MELAD is the Senior Responsible Officer for the environment portfolio of MELAD. The incumbent isalso the National Focal Point for the environment, including all MEAs to which Kiribati is a Party to. The MELAD HonourableMinister is the political focal point for the environment at national government level in Kiribati.

Due to the cross-sectoral nature of the KIEP, a number of different Government agencies will play instrumental role in providingappropriate sectoral supports to ECD in sectoral areas that are directly relevant to fulfilling the overall environment portfolio ofMELAD. Especially in specific sector areas that have overall supports towards achieving environment protection and managementand subsequently contribute towards achieving a sustainable environment that is resilient, to the impacts of global climate change.Hence, this KIEP also outlines key activities of all relevant subsectors (in alignment with key sectors relevant plans under eachthematic area) that these sectors are spearheading under their specific Ministries’ portfolios. This is with a view of promoting andenhancing collaboration and partnership between ECD and the key sectors concerned. Particularly in areas that need parallel andsynergised implementation under this KIEP through the relevant portfolio of the Kiribati National Government, in order to addressenvironmental problems and issues in a holistic manner.

These lead agencies are:

Thematic Area Lead AgenciesClimate Change:

- Science of climate change ECD- Global climate change impacts on the overall health of the environment ECD- Climate Change Policy Response and Coordination OB

Biodiversity:- Marine Biodiversity ECD- Terrestrial Biodiversity ECD- Phoenix Islands Protected Area PIPA- Recreational Areas ECD/WCU- Invasive alien species ECD/WCU

Wastes and Chemicals:


- Waste & Pollution ECD, TUC, BTC- Marine pollution ECD, Marine Division, MTC- Awareness raising, regulation and enforcement ECD- Waste collection and management BTC, TUC, KUC- Landfill operation and management TUC & BTC- Sewerage management MPWU & PUB- Hazardous waste ECD

- Recycling ECD & Te Kaoki Mange- Ozone depleting substances ECD, Customs

Resource Management:- SLM, awareness, gravel extraction and coordination ECD, LMD, Mineral Unit –

MFMRD & ESAT- Land issues LMD- Water conservation and management Water Engineering Unit- Deep sea minerals Mineral Unit- Sustainable Agriculture ALD- Coastal ECD, Mineral Unit & OB –

(KAP III)Environment Governance

- Prosecution WCU, Police, & OAG- Mainstreaming MFED

The role of the lead agency is supported by other ministries through their relevant mandates and functions and through multi-stakeholder national steering or coordinating committees. These committees coordinate the planning and implementation of keystrategic environmental thematic action plans.

Similarly, civil society has also instrumental role and responsibilities to assist in implementing the KIEP through exploringappropriate private sector partnership that enhances local communities’ involvement and participation at national, island andvillage levels.

Role of Island Councils


Role of NGOs Role of Women Role of Youths Role of Private Sector Role of Churches Role of Island, Village and Church Leaders/communities

1.8 Consultation and Coordination

The effective implementation of the policy will need consultation and coordination between the ECD and its stakeholders. TheECD will establish an Environment Advisory Committee to provide advice, consultation and coordination for the implementation,monitoring and review of the policy and its strategic plan at national level. The membership of the Environment AdvisoryCommittee will be drawn from senior representatives of government agencies with representatives of other key stakeholders suchas NGOs, churches and the private sector.

The key thematic areas of the policy will be supported by existing technical committees spearheaded and coordinated under eachthematic areas and programs implemented by MELAD through ECD:

Thematic area Name of Committee Climate Change Climate Change Study Team / National Adaptation

Steering Committee Biodiversity National Biodiversity Planning Committee Waste and pollution National Chemical Coordination Committee

Proposed National Waste Management Committee National Marine Pollution Advisory Committee National Ozone Committee Kiribati Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technician

Association National Organic Waste Committee Health-Care Waste Management Committee


National E-waste Committee

Resource Management Central Land Planning Board/ Sustainable LandManagement Planning Team

National Water and Sanitation Steering Committee Foreshore Management Committee National Food Security Committee National Water Quality Monitoring Committee

Environmental Governance Environment Advisory Committee KDP Environment policy drafting committee Environment Enforcement Advisory Group KDP Environment Sector Group

1.9 Regional and Global Environmental Frameworks

Kiribati is party to a number of regional and global conventions or multilateral environment agreements (MEAs) listed in section1.4.This policy will provide the framework through which Kiribati will undertake activities towards meeting its national andinternational (as relevant only) obligations under these MEAs.

There are also a number of global and regional action frameworks towards which this policy will contribute. These include:

At the global level: Agenda 21 The Johannesburg Plan of Implementation Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

Specifically for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) The Barbados Plan of Action The Mauritius Strategy for Implementation


And the following are key regional planning frameworks that support Kiribati’s environmental management work The Pacific Plan SPREP Strategic Plan 2011-2015 Solid Waste Management Strategy for the Pacific Region 2010 – 2015 Regional Asbestos Strategy 2011 Regional E-waste Strategy 2012 Regional Health Care Waste Management Strategy 2013 Pacific Ocean Pollution Prevention Programme Strategy (PACPOL) Strategy Pacific Islands Regional Marine Spill Contingency Plan (PACPLAN) Waigani and Stockholm Conventions The Pacific Islands Framework of Action to Combat Climate Change 2006 -2015 The Pacific Action Strategy for the Conservation of Nature 2008 – 2012 The Pacific Islands Regional HCFC Phase-Out Management Plan

2.0 GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The formulation and implementation of this policy is guided by the following four (4) key principles: leadership and goodgovernance; collective responsibility for the environment; indigenous knowledge, practices and innovations; and integration of theenvironment and development.

2.1 Leadership and Good Governance

This principle generally means that the government of Kiribati will lead efforts to protect, manage and promote the sustainable useof the country’s environment and its natural resources. It implies upholding good governing practices of transparency,accountability, shared responsibility and equity in the consideration of environmental requirements in development practices. Itrespects everyone’s right to a clean and healthy environment. And it recognizes key principles for respecting the needs andcapacities of the natural environment such as the precautionary, polluter pays and carrying capacity principles.

The Precautionary Principle is defined in the UN Agenda 21 Rio Declaration as “Where there are threats of serious orirreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to preventenvironmental degradation”.


The Polluter Pays Principle means that populations are justly responsible for the waste and pollution they generate either directlyor through payments for the available mitigation and management services. The principle also extends to society’s responsibilityto directly pay for the programs that help replenish, restore and rehabilitate natural resources and the environment that wereexploited or degraded through extensive development activities.

The Carrying Capacity Principle may be defined as the ability of the environment to sustain the needs of human development andits own natural requirements. As such development should respect and be maintained within the limits of the carrying capacities ofits hosting environment if it is to achieve a more environmentally and socially sound and sustainable pathway.

2.2 Collective Responsibility for the Environment

Protecting, managing and sustainably using the environment and its goods and services are generally accepted as everyone’sresponsibility. This responsibility is carried out both at the individual and collective levels. This principle recognises eachindividual as holding the key responsibility. It also recognises the relevant roles and influences that all sectors and institutions ofthe society have, in contributing to the protection and management of Kiribati’s environment and its goods and services.

2.3 Indigenous Knowledge, Practices and Innovations

I- Kiribati people have developed valuable indigenous knowledge and practices that can contribute positively to the sustainableuse and effective management of their natural resources and the environment. These traditions and practices are importantelements of their culture and heritage that forms their national identity. These will be integrated into the implementation of thispolicy. ECD has a significant role in providing a conduit through protecting, managing and sustainably utilizing islandbiodiversity, to which indigenous knowledge, practices and innovations are dependent on.

2.4 Integration of the Environment and Development

This principle recognises the organic nature of environment and development in the sense that the environment underpinsdevelopment. It recognises the challenges in reconciling and balancing the needs of the environment and the development needs ofhuman society in Kiribati. It is vital that economic and/or physical development must be linked with environmental protection andnot degrading it to facilitate long term sustainability. It emphasizes the critical importance of credible, relevant and legitimate


scientific investigations and information to the integration and mainstreaming of the environment into development planning andimplementation. And it recognises appropriate value systems of the people and society in Kiribati that promotes and support theintegrity of the environment as a system and its goods and services.


3.0 STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT PLAN 2012 - 2016

The Strategic Environment Plan 2012-2015 outlines in details the strategic environment priorities of the five environmental policythematic areas: climate change; biodiversity conservation and management; waste management and pollution control; resourcemanagement; and environmental governance. It sets in place a national strategy towards long term preparations and planning torespond to the impacts of global climate change and subsequently enhance the resilience of the environment in Kiribati. ThisStrategic Environment Plan will also guide the formulation of MELAD’s annual MOP and contribute towards the KDP, where theenvironment portfolio is concerned. It will guide the development of annual implementation work-plans and budgets forMELAD’s ECD and those of its stakeholders as appropriate. It also provides performance indicators defined to track progress.This will be also the framework for monitoring and reviewing the progress of environment priorities indicated under theenvironment key policy area of the KDP. As such, this Plan will have instrumental role in providing information that would beuseful in determining and updating on the state of the environment in Kiribati as and when needed.

The development of the strategic plan was guided by the experiences and lessons gained from the implementation of nationalenvironmental programs in the last KDP 2008 – 2011, under the existing environment thematic action plans coordinated by ECD,and by other government and non-government organisations. Among the key environmental thematic action plans are the NAPA,NBSAP and NAP. There are a number of sectoral policies, programmes and plans whose implementation are crucial to achievingthe policy objectives of the KIEP. These include, among others, the National Energy Policy, the National Water Resources Policyand Implementation Plan 2008 that are coordinated by Ministry of Public Works and Utilities (MPWU);relevant environmentalhealth programs that are coordinated by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS);relevant environment educationprograms by the Ministry of Education (MoE); eco-tourism programs of the Ministry of Communication, Transport and TourismDevelopment (MCTTD) and the outer island development and cultural preservation programmes of the Ministry of Internal andSocial Affairs (MISA).


3.1 Climate Change

Goal: Strengthen national capacity to effectively respond and adapt to climate change, with a particular focus onenvironmental protection and management

Background:

Kiribati is one of the most vulnerable countries to the adverse impacts of climate change. The atolls of Kiribati rise 3-4 metersabove mean sea level and are on average, a few hundred meters wide. These atolls are the home of nearly 110,000 (2010 Census) I- Kiribati people with their distinct culture. Inundation and erosion destroy key areas of land within the already small land area ofeach atoll, and storm surges contaminate the fresh groundwater lens, which is vital for health and survival. Fresh groundwater lensis also the only main source of freshwater resources in Kiribati. An economic evaluation of the costs of climate change relatedrisks has been estimated to be 35% of Kiribati GDP (NAPA 2007). The estimate takes into account only the potential impacts ofclimate change on coastal zone (US$7-$13 million a year) and water resources (US$1-$3 million a year). In 1998 the GDP wasUS$47 million (WB 2000).

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) entered into force as an international agreement onMarch 1994 and entered into force specifically for Kiribati in May 1995, with an Initial National Communication to theConvention in 1999. The Convention sets out blueprints for the common but differentiated responsibilities of parties to address theglobal concern of climate change. Least developed countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are among thecountries that are considered most vulnerable to climate change. They are so, because in the case of the former their specialcircumstances make them unable to meet the costs of adaptation needs, and the latter because of their physical susceptibility to theeffects of climate change. Kiribati is in both of these groups.

The Government of Kiribati has embarked in the process of mainstreaming climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster riskreduction (DRR) in its national development processes through a series of initiatives: the launch of the Kiribati AdaptationProgram (KAP) in 2003, the adoption of a Climate Change Adaptation Policy Note and a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy in2005, the consultation process and consequent adoption of a National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA) in 2007 and theongoing implementation phase of KAP. In addition, the Kiribati Development Plan (KDP) which covers the period 2007-2011recognizes the potentially high cost and effects of climate change on economic growth and social development. The KDP alsorecognizes the central importance of environment sustainability within the development processes by allocating environment as


one of its key Policy areas, within which climate change is reflected. The recently adopted National Water Resource Policy (2008)defines the priority issues in the water sector taking into account climate change adaptation. Priority issues in the energy sector,given in the Kiribati National Energy Policy, also takes into consideration climate change mitigation and environment safeguards.

Legislation and policies Disaster Act 1993 Climate Change Adaptation Policy Statement and Strategy 2004 National Water Resource Policy and National Water Resource Implementation Plan 2008 (National Sanitation Policy and National Sanitation Implementation Plan 2008) Kiribati National Energy Policy 2009 Government Policy Statement for 2007-2011 Draft National Framework on Climate Change 2010

Contextual Notes: Disaster risk reduction is a separate but similar strategy Vulnerability of outer islands need to be completed and well documented to inform decisions for future adaptation options The context of this Policy should focus on priorities that are oriented to environmental management in support of the National

Climate Change Framework and the overall Kiribati Development Plan

Sources used to framework: NAPA 2007 Climate Change information page in the Environment and Conservation Division website http://www.environment.gov.ki/ KAPII various outcome documents 2006 - 2010 MELAD Ministry Operational Plan (MOP) 2009 – 2011 Kiribati Development Plan 2008 – 2011 Kiribati Energy Policy 2009 Kiribati National Capacity Self- Assessment to the Rio Convention Report 2009 Draft Kiribati Meteorological Service Strategic Plan 2012-2018 Kiribati government climate change portal http://www.climate.gov.ki/ Initial national communication 1999 (second to be presented in Durban 2011)


Based on the above information and national consultations, climate change was recognized as a prominent threat on the environmentand therefore need to be integrated as one of the key policy areas of the Strategic Environment Policy and its Plan for the period 2012-2015. This climate change area has an overall goal and three main thematic operational goals which are set out in the matrix below.The table outlines strategies, targets, indicators and potential implementing partners’ distinctive to each goal. These objectivesinclude:

1. Improving knowledge, information and national adaptive capacity to respond and adapt to climate change.2. To build on existing adaptation measures and continue with implementation of concrete adaptation measures aimed at protecting

the environment as a whole system and its services.3. To implement mitigation measures and strengthen synergies between climate change mitigation and environment sustainability.

Climate ChangePolicy Area

Strategies (2012-2016) Targets PerformanceIndicators

KeyImplementingAgencies/Partners

CC1: To improve knowledge, information and national adaptive capacity for responding and adapting to climate change

a) Research,Knowledge andInformation

1. Conduct Vulnerabilityand AdaptationAssessments (V&A) onthe other sectors and therest of islands of Kiribati

Documentation of thevulnerability of moresectors on South Tarawaand rest of islands inKiribati

Number of specificsector V&A andNumber of V&A inother islands ofKiribati

Number of reviewedV&A studies in eachsector/islands

ECD,SOPAC_SPC,SPREP, USP, LineMinistries, NGOs

2. Setting up theEnvironmental Data andInformation Centreincorporating climatechange information

Completion andoperationalisation ofEnvironment InformationCentre and its variousoutputs

Number of datasharing eventsamong agenciesinputting to theEnvironmentInformation Centre

Number of climatedata and analysis on

ECD, KMS, WEU,OB, LMD, MineralUnit, NSO,SOPAC_SPC,SPREP, USP, LineMinistries, NGOs


climatetrends/projectionsarchived andaccessible to public

3. Encouragingmechanisms to promoteresearch on emergingclimate change areas andexchange of informationon status of environment

Documentation andenhanced publicunderstanding on newclimate changeinformation and itslinkages with theenvironment

Outputs of research onclimate change andenvironment used to guidenational adaptation orinforms decision makingon adaptation

Number ofresearchundertaken onclimate change

Number ofreviewed researchpapers on climatechange

Number ofexchange publicforums on climatechange

ECD, PSO, MoE,Line MinistriesNSO, SPREP,USP, SPC, USP,College ofMedicine, Nursingand Public HealthSciences(CMNPHS), FijiNationalUniversity (FNU)

b) Education,Awareness andTraining

1. Encouragingmechanisms toincorporate climatechange in schoolcurriculum at all levels

Enhanced awareness andknowledge on climatechange at Primary,Secondary Schools

Number ofsupports/initiativesprovided toencourageincorporation ofclimate changeinto schoolcurricula

Number of schoolcurriculaincorporatingclimate change

MoE, ECD, USP,SPREP, SOPAC -SPC, otherrelevantinstitutions


2. Update and implementNationalcommunicationstrategies to includeclimate change and itsrelation to environmentsustainability

Enhanced awareness andknowledge on climatechange at Policy-makerslevel, civil servants andgeneral public

Number of eventsrecorded asimplementingCommunicationStrategy provisionsrelated to climatechange

ECD, EPU, WEU,LMD, OB, KNTO,EHU, SPREP,SPC_SOPAC

3. Build the diversity ofcommunities’ capacity toadapt to climate changeand environmentchallenges

Up-skilled population onother environment-basedareas e.g. training ontraditional agriculturalpractices andmethodologies conduciveto climate change,mangrove replanting,implementingconservation methods

Number ofinitiatives ontechnical andvocational,community leveltrainings

Number oftrainings onagriculturalmethods conduciveto climate change,conservation,mangrove plantingto communities –aimed at buildingadaptive capacityof communities

ECD, MoE, OB,SPREP, MLHRD,PSO, Agriculture,Fisheries

c) ImplementingMEAs (Multi-EnvironmentAgreements)related to ClimateChange

1. Advocacy of nationalissues at internationalforums

Recognition andintegration of Kiribatiissues on climate changeat international andregional fora and theiroutcomes

Number ofdecisions fromUNFCCCfavourable toKiribati

Number of reportsand websites

ECD, ForeignAffairs,OB,SPREP, SPC -SOPAC, LineMinistries


quoting Kiribatiissues with climatechange

2. Encouragingmechanisms toimplementcommitments/decisionsof agreements and buildsynergies with nationalgoals and priorities

Enhanced knowledge andeffective nationalresponse to implementingcommitments fromClimate Changecommitments

Increase number oflocalsupport/participation in programsrelated toimplementingClimate Changeregimes

ECD, ForeignAffairs, OB,EnvironmentalHealth Unit (EHU)– MHMS, LineMinistries, SPREP,SPC-SOPAC

3. Contributions of nationalinitiatives to globalsustainability (e.g. PIPA,Oceanscape)

Demonstrate leadershipand commitment toglobal community oneffort to respond to theeffect of climate change

Number ofinitiatives that addvalue to globalenvironmentalbenefits andsustainability

MELAD, OB,SPREP, CI,SOPAC -SPC,USP, LineMinistries

CC2. To build on existing adaptation measures and continue with implementation of concrete interventions aimed atprotecting the environment and its goods and services

a) Adaptation 1. Revalidation andcontinue to implementNational AdaptationProgram Priorities toreflect the NationalClimate ChangeFramework and Disasterrisk reduction

Implementation oftangible resiliencebuilding adaptationmeasures at national level

Completion ofNAPA revalidation

Number ofimplementedNAPA Priorities

Line Ministries,OB, SOPAC -SPC,SPREP, USP

2. Support community-based adaptationinitiatives

Implementation oftangible community-basedadaptation measures at

Number ofcommunity basedadaptation

GEF SGP-KI,KiriCAN, ECD,OB,


community level initiatives KANGO,SPREP,SOPAC_SPC,USP

b) ClimateChangeFinancing

1. Support mechanisms tostrengthenfiduciary/financialarrangements to improveaccess to climate andMEAs funds

Establishment of a robustfinancial system andrelevant capacities onmanaging andcoordinating internationalclimate/MEA funds

Increase flow offunds accessedfrom climatechange funds orMEA funds

NEPO. OB, ECD,Foreign Affairs,SPREP,SOPAC_SPC, PIF

2. Explore financinginitiatives resulting frompositive spins of climatechange

Number of opportunitiesto harness additionalresources to meetchallenges impactednegatively by climatechange are established andmaximised in asustainable manner

Number ofdifferent types ofinitiatives thatharness financingbenefits frompositive impacts ofclimate change

ECD,MFMRD,KNTO-MCTTD, MCIC,NEPO, FFA,SPREP,SOPAC_SPC,USP

3. Increase externalassistance and nationalbudgetary contributionsto the national climatechange institutions

Appreciation by PolicyMakers of the need forbudgetary contribution tothe national climatechangeinstitutions

Increase innational budgetaryallocations toclimatechangeinstitutions

ECD, NEPO, OB

CC3. To implement mitigation measures and strengthen synergies between climate change mitigation and environmentsustainability

a) Mitigation 1. Support theimplementation of theKiribati Energy Policyand its ImplementationPlan 2009

Contribute to achievingthe overall vision of theKiribati Energy Policywith it contributions toclimate change mitigationand environmentalcompatibility

Inventory ofimplementedmitigation relatedprojects emanatedfrom the KiribatiEnergy Policy

EPU, ECD, OB,Line Ministries,SOPAC_SPC,SPREP, USP


2. Support the investigationof opportunities forenergy conservation andexplore additionalenergy efficient, cleantechnologies linking toGreen Growth

Documentation of feasibleand applicable efficientand clean technologies

Contribution toenvironment sustainabilityand energy security

Number of newefficient and cleantechnologiesinvestigated andimplemented

Emission reductionrates resultingfromrenewable/cleanenergy programs

EPU, ECD, OB,Line Ministries,SOPAC_SPC,SPREP

3. Explore and increaseparticipation andinvolvement in climatechange mitigationactions throughenhanced ecosystemfunctioning (e.g.Mangrove Replanting,Conservation Areas –PIPA, Blue Carbonconcept, Green Growth,etc)

Implementing differenttypes of carbon sink-basedmitigation initiatives andenhancement ofecosystem services

Inventory ofregistered carbon-sink-basedmitigationmeasures

ECD, OB,MFMRD, LMD,Line Ministries,SOPAC - SPC,SPREP

4. Promote small scaleprivate sector and localcommunities’ mitigationactions

Implementation ofapplicable mitigationmeasures at the privatesector and localcommunity level

Number ofcommunity-basedand small scaleprivate sectormitigation projectsat the nationallevel

EPU, ECD, OB,Line Ministries,SOPAC_SPC,SPREP


3.2 Island Biodiversity Conservation and Management

Goal: Strengthen national capacity and institutional frameworks for effective conservation, management and sustainable useof Kiribati’s terrestrial and marine biodiversity.

Background:Island biodiversity in this context, means all terrestrial and marine ecosystems, all plants and animal species and varieties found inthese ecosystems including the knowledge, uses, beliefs and language that the people of Kiribati have in relation to theirecosystems and species. Biodiversity conservation and management promotes the concept of sustainable use and supportssustainable development. . Based on various national, outer islands and household surveys undertaken as part of the formulation ofthe Kiribati National Biodiversity Strategies and Actions Plan from 1996 – 2004, it was confirmed that the current state ofbiodiversity in Kiribati is being degraded physically, socially, economically, politically and even judicially.

As a low- lying nation, Kiribati cannot afford to sit back and let this degradation continue. If the biodiversity is not conserved orused sustainably, and if appropriate traditional sustainable natural resources management practices are not revived, and if thetraditional knowledge and language are not maintained or strengthened, then future development would not be able to sustain andsupport the people and the liveability of the atoll islands, in the long term. The main key in the whole process is the resourceowners and users at the island and village levels, who hold the long-lasting key to effective biodiversity conservation andmanagement.

The government of Kiribati recognizes the importance of conserving biological diversity and has become a State Party byratifying the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 16th August 1994 and the Treaty on Plant Genetic Resource for Foodand Agriculture (ITPGFRA) on 13th December 2005. The ITPGFRA focuses specifically on conservation and utilization of foodcrop species to sustain food security and improve health. As a Party, Kiribati has obligations to meet the objectives of the CBDand ITPGFRA at the national and international levels.

For the CBD this is being provided for through the formulation and implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategies andAction Plan (NBSAP) and the National Reports submitted to the CBD Secretariat. Further, the Government of Kiribati is also aState Party to the World Heritage Convention and is in the process of accession to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. These areall biodiversity related Multi-Environment Agreements (MEAs) that recognize the importance of biodiversity conservation,management and its sustainable use for the benefits of Kiribati and the people of Kiribati.


A number of reports were instrumental in the formulation of this strategic action framework which includes, among others, theKiribati NBSAP; 4th National Report to CBD; MELAD Operational Plan and the KDP 2008 – 2011. The issues reflected in thematrix below could further be expanded to address the emerging and new issues associated with recent and future researches andexplorations.

Island BiodiversityConservation PolicyArea

Strategies (2012 – 2016) Targets Performance Indicators Key ImplementingAgencies/Partners

BC 1: To improve and enhance the storage, protection, management and dissemination of the knowledge and information onthe sustainable use, conservation and management of biodiversity to the general public1) Communication,

education andpublic awareness

1. Improve the formaland informal educationsystem to supportbiodiversityconservation andmanagement concept

Integration ofbiodiversityconservation into thenational educationcurriculum at primaryand Junior SecondarySchool levels

Biodiversity is adopted asa new curriculum forprimary, junior andsecondary schools

ECD, MoE (CDRC),SPREP

2. Enhance publicawareness at all levelsof society to improvedecision making andparticipatory approachin biodiversityconservation andmanagement

Implement(incollaboration withother Governmentagencies/NGOs andrelevant projects)national awarenesscampaigns withemphasis on 2conservation issues:

1) Replanting schemecampaign (on plantand tree species thatare decreasing inavailability for cultural

Number of campaignsundertaken

Number of replantingprogrammesimplemented

Open spaces on SouthTarawa managed andmaintained

ECD, EYC, Lands,OAG, ALD, EHU –MHMS, Aid Donorsand relevant Projects


uses inSouth Tarawa)

ii) Management andprotection of publicopen spaces in SouthTarawa) withEnvironmental YouthsClub

3. Implement practicaland cost-effectivenational campaigns onbiodiversity relatedcelebrations

National celebrationsare implemented incollaboration withnational and regionalpartners i.e. MELADweek, World FoodDay, Agriculture Day,International Day forBiodiversity,Environment Day etc

The number of eventscelebrated nationallyThe number ofcommunities engaged inthe celebrations

ECD, SPREP, ALD,Fisheries Division,TTM, Lands,

2) Information andknowledgemanagement

1. Expand and makeavailable accurate andreliable data andinformation onnational biodiversityto inform policy anddecision making at alllevels

Develop and updatethe national ClearingHouse Mechanism tohostinformation and datathat reflect the statusof biological diversityand naturalenvironment inKiribati

CHM developed ,updated and fullyoperational

ECD, SPREP

2. Assessing theEcological Gap forKiribati

Complete EcologicalGap Analysis forKiribati

A complete report ofEcological gap analysis

ECD, SPREP, CI,Fisheries, Lands,ALD


3. Identify, establish andstrengthen biodiversityconservationnetworks, initiativesand partnershipsbetween national andlocal government,communities andgroups, and the privatesector

MOU to facilitatebiodiversityinformation sharingagreed to and signedby key partners

The number of signedagreements and keypartners.

ECD, SPREP,Fisheries, ALD,Lands, MISA,NGOs, PrivateSector

4. Traditionalknowledge andpractices

1. Identify, revive andintegrate appropriatecustomary rights intobiodiversityconservation andmanagement

Customary rightsidentified andintegrated intobiodiversityconservation andmanagement plans

Number of customaryrights identified andintegrated

Culture, MISA,ECD, ALD,Fisheries

2. Identify, revive andintegrate traditionalknowledge systemsand practices thatsupport biodiversityconservation,management andsustainable utilizationat all levels of society

Traditional knowledgesystems identified,revived and integratedinto biodiversityconservation andmanagement plans

Number of identified,revived and integratedtraditional knowledgesystems into local andnational strategies.

Culture, MISA,ECD, ALD,Fisheries

3. Identify and supportinitiatives that promotetraditional preparationskills requiring thecontinuous plantingand planting of Kiribati

Traditional foodpreparation andstorage for future useare supported throughprovision of financialsupport to women and

Number of women andother relevant localgroups/NGOs engaged intraining of youth;Increased in number oflocal food crops and trees

MISA, ECD,Councils, Womenand other relevantgroups/NGOs


food crops and treesthat are declining

other relevant localgroups/NGOs.

in at least 3 outer islands

BC2: To improve and strengthen national coordination, collaboration and cooperation between stakeholders at all levels ofsocietya) Institutional

capacity1. Improve coordination

and collaboration withkey stakeholders(national and local)

Mainstreaming ofbiodiversityconservation into thesector’s strategic plansand KDP

Biodiversity conservationmainstreamed andintegrated in at least 2sectoral plans

ECD, NEPO,SPREP, NationalBiodiversityPlanning Committee

Improve and definethe mandate and roleof the NationalBiodiversity PlanningCommittee members

Agreement defining rolesand mandate developedfor National BiodiversityPlanning committeemembers

ECD, NationalBiodiversityPlanning Committee

b) Communityempowerment

Empower localgovernment andcommunities to lead andsustainably manage theirbiodiversity resources

Biodiversityconservation prioritiesare integrated intolocal governmentstrategic action plan

Number of localgovernment strategicaction plan that integratesbiodiversity conservation

MISA, ECD, FSP-K,OAG

BC3:To build on and strengthen national capacity and mechanisms to effectively conserve and manage island biodiversity

a) Sustainable useof islandbiodiversityresources

1. Improve and enhancethe sustainable use ofisland biodiversityresources that are inline with customaryland and marine tenuresystems

Identify the destructivefishing methods andgears and imposelegislations to regulatethese destructivefishing methods andgears

Increased awareness of

Number of studiesundertaken to addressdestructive fishingmethods

Number ofCommunity by-lawsand regulations inplace

Number of fire awareness

Fisheries Division,OAG, MISA, ECD,SPREP


the impact of fire onbiodiversity

activities carried out

2. Integrate theconcept/principles ofbiodiversityconservation in organicfarming

Organic farmers areaware on the conceptof biodiversityconservation throughtrainings offered thatintegrate the conceptof biodiversityconservation intoorganic farming

Number of organicfarming trainingsoffered

Number of farmersexercising organicmethodologies

ALD, ECD, KOFA,FSP-K, SPC

3. Develop integratedcoastal managementplan for the GilbertsIslands Group

Coastal managementplan developed andimplemented

Number of plans andactivitiesimplemented

Mineral Unit, ECD,Lands, FisheriesDivision - MFMRD,ALD, MPWU

b) Biodiversityconservation

1. Enhance andimprove biologicalresources tomaintain biologicaldiversity in theshort and long termrun

Advocate the conceptof community-basedprotected areas(CBPAs) andcommunity basedprotected species

Number of communityagreements developedand signed for theestablishment ofconservation areas

ECD, Fisheries,ALD, Tourism,SPREP, CI, MISA,ThEcoCare SmallGrant Program

Increase the number ofterrestrial and marineProtected areas undereffective managementand planning

Number of new protectedareas established

ECD, Fisheries,ALD, Tourism,SPREP, CI, AOG

Formalize thedesignation of theproposedRamsar site in NorthTarawa at nationallevel

Policy approved todeclare Ramsar sites

ECD, AOG, SPREP,MISA


1. Protect species,viablepopulations andassociatedhabitats ofecological,natural heritageand culturalsignificance

Develop and initiateactions to protect andrestore at least 2threatened species ineach of the Gilberts,Line and PhoenixGroups

List of nationalthreatened speciesand ecosystemsidentified andvalidated

At least threatenedspecies restored

ECD, SPREP,Linnix, Fisheries,ALD, SPREP, CI –Pacific Programme

Develop and initiateactions to protect andrestore at least 2threaten ecosystems ineach of the Gilberts,Line and PhoenixGroups

Action plans forthreatened speciesdeveloped, endorsed andimplemented

ECD, SPREP,Linnix, Fisheries,ALD, SPREP, CI –Pacific Programme

c) Invasive Species 1. Eradicate, controland manageinvasive speciesthat may adverselyimpact onKiribati’sbiodiversity andlivelihoods

Endorse at the Cabinetlevel, the DraftNational Strategy andAction plan on IAS forKiribati and the Lineand Phoenix Groups

Approval of theNational IASStrategic Action Plan

Number of invasivespecies initiativesimplemented

ECD, Linnix, ALD,SPREP, NationalBiodiversityPlanning Committee

d) Bio-safety Establish enablingenvironment to supportimplementation of theNational Bio-safetyFramework (NBF)

Enforce the bio-safetyregulation upon itsendorsement

Establish andformalize theNationalCompetentAuthority

Implementation ofthe NBF and Bio-safety Regulation

Enforcement of the

Number of NationalCompetent meetings

NBF implementation The endorsement and

implementation of theBio-safety regulation

ECD, OAG, NCA,NationalBiodiversityPlanning Committee,ALD, Fisheries


bio-safetyregulation

e) Financialresources

1. Create incentives andmechanisms for theestablishment of effectivecommunitybased biodiversityprotection andmanagement

Identify anddevelop incentivesthat wouldgenerate income tolocal communities,while carrying outterrestrial andmarine communitybased biodiversityprotection andmanagement (e.g.community-basedeco-tourism)

Feasibility studyreport on financialincentives completed

Number of incomegenerating activitiesimplemented

SPREP, CI, ECD,Fisheries, ALD,Tourism, Commerce

Develop means ofengaging governmentand private businessesin undertakingenvironment friendlypractices that supportthe protection,management andsustainable utilizationof island biodiversity

Number ofgovernment andCSOs that haveadoptedenvironmentallyfriendly codes ofpractice or haveenvironmentmanagement plans inplace

KANGO, FSP-K,ECD, Private Sector

2. Create sustainablefinancial mechanism forthe protection andmanagement ofbiodiversity

Increase budgetaryallocation by 5%(yearly) to fund theprotection andmanagement ofbiodiversity

Number ofgovernment ministriesthat have budgetaryallocations forbiodiversity relatedinitiatives

At least 1 biodiversitypermanent post

Finance, PSO,MELAD, ECD,


established withinMELAD

Undertakefeasibility studieson the viability ofestablishingEnvironment TrustFund in Kiribati

Draft feasibility studyreport produced andconsidered bystakeholders

Finance, ECD,NationalBiodiversityPlanning Committee

Secure new andadditional funds tosupportimplementation ofthe revised NBSAP

Number of GEF5project proposalsdeveloped andapproved

ECD, Finance,NationalBiodiversityPlanning Committee

BC4. To strengthen national capacity to effectively respond to the impacts of global climate change on island biodiversitya) Ecosystem based

adaptation1. Promote and

implement theecosystem basedadaptation toresponse to climatechange impactsthat threatensisland biodiversity

Develop andimplement ecosystembased adaptationinitiatives to enhancethe resilience of theenvironment againstglobal climate changeimpacts

Number of ecosystembased adaptationinitiatives developed andimplemented

Fisheries, ECD, OB,

b) Food security 1. Diversify andbroaden geneticfood base(species/varietiesthat are tolerant toatoll environmentand projectedimpacts of climatechange (highsalinity, prolongeddrought, brackish

Mass produce anddistribute local foodcrop species

The number of localspecies produced anddistributed

ALD, SPC, FAO,TTM


water))

Introduced food cropspecies are screenedand distributed

Number of speciesscreened anddistributed

ALD, SPC, FAO

3.3 Waste Management and Pollution Control

Goal: To strengthen national capacity to ensure a safe and healthy environment for the people of Kiribati through effectiveand sound management of chemical and waste

Background:The main types of wastes and pollutants threatening biodiversity and human health within Kiribati are those typically associatedwith urbanised communities (e.g. solid wastes and sewage discharges) and from agricultural activities and port areas (includingnutrients, sediments, pesticides and anti-foulants). Lack of integrated management of these pollutants is a key threat to Kiribati’senvironment. The problem is exacerbated in an atoll nation like Kiribati due to its small size, high water table and rising sea levelsand the lack of cover soil to bury wastes. Innovative approaches to waste management are necessary that not only minimise thewaste generated, but also seek ways in which the waste can be usefully and, if possible, economically re-used.

Kiribati has adopted the Waste Hierarchy approach in its management of waste starting with avoidance and minimisation firstthen looking at the opportunities for reuse, recycling and recovery before finally considering safe disposal. The focus must befirmly on avoidance and minimisation, reuse, recycling and recovery because safe disposal options are very limited or non-existent on atolls.

The Kaoki Maange system of deposits and refunds on used aluminium cans, PET (Polyethylene terephthalate)bottles and lead-acid batteries has proved spectacularly successful and provides an example to follow. It has created a newbusiness, employed people, provided some unemployed with a small cash income, costs the government nothing and has removedused aluminium cans, PET plastic bottles, and car batteries from the atoll. Kiribati’s deposit refund system has receivedrecognition across the Pacific and is widely seen as a “best practice” recycling system.


Organic matter comprises about 80% of the waste composition in Kiribati national waste stream. Unmanaged disposal of organicwaste is an alarming issue. It rapidly fills the dumpsite, and breaks down to generate noxious leachate and methane gas. However,if managed well it can enhance the aesthetic value of the environment, and provide organic fertilizer for agricultural usage andmonetary incentives for the local community who should know that waste is a resource not a burden to them. Addressing organicmatter should be a high priority due to its high generation rate and volume.

The management of chemicals and hazardous wastes poses a special challenge. Safe handling, storage, transportation and disposalthrough the proper facilities, equipment and competent personnel are essential. This should include the control of pollution fromindustrial and commercial sites. Where safe disposal cannot be carried out in Kiribati, arrangements should be put in place forproper disposal outside Kiribati.

Kiribati is faced with the risk of a pollution incident through its use of chemicals, hazardous and noxious substances, and refinedfossil fuels. Measures need to be put in place that addresses a pollution incident in the planning, preparedness and responsecapabilities. The National Marine Pollution Advisory Committee has drafted a national marine spill contingency plan(NATPLAN) that addresses the discharge of oils, chemical and HNS. The need to have proper equipment and competentpersonnel are essential.

Improvement on clean water supply for the increasing population on South Tarawa and Betio require additional sources besideBonriki and Buota water reserves. Water desalination plants are currently being considered; however these plants would require amechanism to safely dispose concentrated brine during low tide meaning they have to store this waste water for approximatelytwo hours on average, meaning holding tanks are needed. However, there is no land available on which to place storage tanks andthe waste water must be disposed of as it is produced. Its impact on the marine environment is not yet known. A similar case iswaste water from a tuna loining factory that is currently under construction at the Betio wharf on South Tarawa. For this, some ofthe important questions, among others, to address are to what extent the coastal marine environment will be protected; and whatare the mechanisms, measures and processes in place to address these issues in order to achieve the aim of managing andcontrolling waste and pollution.

The key to a cleaner Kiribati is public pride and a social attitude against waste and pollution. Government enforcement isexpensive and can never be everywhere. The best option is to change public behaviour through increased community awarenessbacked with the enforcement of relevant legislations including the Environment Act 2007 where necessary. The public educationwork done by MELAD through the “Kiribati TeBoboto” and national clean-up campaigns, the very successful car wreck clean-upand the Green Bag Pre-paid System initiative have all begun the slow process of building an attitude of pride and care especially


in the urban environment of South Tarawa. However, this work must be on-going and expanded if we want to achieve our goal ofa cleaner and safer environment for all Kiribati people.

Relevant Principles and Approaches:There are numerous, internationally recognized principles and approaches that guide chemicals and waste-related activities on-the-ground, in a country setting such as that of Kiribati. In significant part, many of those have arisen or evolved as governments havecollaborated in framing chemicals and waste-related management in the context of common, international approaches,declarations and agreements. Those addressed here, among others, are relevant and underlie the Integrated Environmental Policythat Kiribati has adopted:

Agenda 21 as adopted in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 recognized the need for integration by recommending coordinated andintegrated approaches for the sound management of chemicals and waste. Chapters 19 and 20 collectively recommendedinitiatives covering a variety of elements relevant to achieving such integration, including: international assessment of risks,harmonization of chemical classification and labelling, information exchange on chemicals and chemical risks, risk reduction,strengthening national capacities for chemicals and hazardous waste management, prevention and minimization of hazardouswaste, and strengthening cooperation in the management of transboundary movements of hazardous waste.

The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), as adopted in Dubai in February 2006, also providesguidance consistent with the Waste Hierarchy. More specifically, SAICM’s objective is “to achieve sound management ofchemicals throughout their life-cycle so that, by 2020, chemicals are used in ways that lead to the minimization of significantadverse effects on human health and the environment,” in combination with issue-specific objectives involving risk reduction,knowledge and information, governance, and capacity building and technical cooperation, among other helpful strategies.

In the context of both Agenda 21 and SAICM, and existing MEAs, a number of principles and approaches that are relevant toachieving sustainable development include, among others:

Polluter Pays: Ensuring that persons and corporations responsible for pollution bear the full environmental and social costs oftheir activities, and that those costs are reflected in the market price for goods and services, this important principle will beimplemented in applying it to waste management and pollution control measures so that those responsible pay for the prevention,mitigation and other management-related measures;

Precaution: As worded in Principle 15 of the Rio Declaration: “In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approachshall be widely applied by states according to their capabilities. Where there are serious threats of serious or irreversible damage,lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental


degradation”;

Life Cycle: This approach addresses the entire life cycle of a product, process, or activity. Life cycle of a chemical means allstages of the life of a chemical with production of the chemical, mixtures, and articles containing the chemical, storage, transport,distribution, export, import, professional use, consumer use, recycling, and waste management of the chemical, mixtures, andarticles containing the chemical. It can also serve as a tool for conducting systematic, cradle to grave (or cradle to cradle) analysesto estimate the environmental consequences of alternative materials, designs, manufacturing processes, product use and end-of-lifealternatives.

Prevention: This principle addresses the issue of how harm to human health and the environment can be avoided, based on therecognition that the economic and social costs of avoiding harm and damages are almost always less than those needed to repair,treat, or compensate afterwards. Prevention can be achieved through measures such as bans, restrictions, and technologystandards to reduce or eliminate releases from intentional and unintentional production and use;

Substitution: When a chemical product may cause risks to human health or the environment, it should be avoided if there are lessdangerous products or processes that can reasonably be used instead, making use of the more dangerous substance unnecessary.As such, it serves as an explicit component of integrated chemicals management that helps focus attention on informing,increasing awareness, and educating the public about alternatives and alternative processes; and

Transparency, Participation and Governance: As enunciated in Rio Principle 10, and elaborated comprehensively in theAarhus Convention, these approaches define public participation as being based on three pillars – access to information (including“right to know”), access to decision making, and access to justice. Key elements of the first two pillars are embedded in mostMEAs, while access to justice is mostly addressed in national law, although all three pillars are prominently embedded in theEuropean crafted, international Aarhus Convention.


Waste Management andPollution Control Policy Area

Strategies 2012-2016 Targets PerformanceIndicators

Key ImplementingAgencies/Partners

WMPC1. To foster behaviour (behavioural change) through education, awareness raising and research that promote best wastemanagement and pollution prevention practices including the 3Rs.a) Education and awareness

raising1.Increase publicawareness on wasteand pollutions issues .

Public betterunderstands waste andpollution issues.

Public aware of properwaste disposal,sanitation andnecessity/ways tominimize pollution.

Enhanced publicawareness on the ozoneissues

No. of publicawareness campaigns.

No. of publiccomplaints involvingillegal dumping andpoor sanitation.

ECD, Ministry ofEducation (MoE),Ministry of Healthand MedicalServices (MHMS),MWPU, NGOs,Churches,Environment YouthClub (EYC), MISA(Island Councils),PUB, UNICEF,MTC, MarineDivision.

2. Encourageincorporation ofchemical and wastemanagement intocurriculums at allteaching institutions.

Teaching Institutionsincorporate chemicaland waste managementand pollution controlissues into itscurriculums due to therecognition of itsimportance.

Enhanced knowledgeand awareness oftrainees on chemical andwaste management andpollution issues.

Number of teachinginstitutions havingcurriculums onchemical and wastemanagement.

Number of studentsenrolled (andcompleting course)

ECD, MOE(CDRC), MHMS,Ministry of Labour,MTD, MarineDivision.


Enhanced delivery onbest practices on ozoneproducts and theiralternatives atVocational institutions

3. Conduct communityconsultations andawareness raising onwaste minimizationand pollutionprevention practices.

Enhanced knowledge atthe community level onenvironmental andhealth impact of poorchemical and wastemanagement.

Number of communityconsultations inTarawa and number ofparticipants

Number of communityconsultation on outerislandsNumber ofcommunities that put inplace improved wastemanagement practices

ECD, MHMS,MPWU, NGOs,Churches, EYC,Island Councils,KANGO.

b) Research and information 1. Establish thesystematic collectionand analysis ofchemical and wastemanagement data

2. Conduct research andfield studies to providedata and informationneeded for improvingchemical and wastemanagement.

3. Encourage new

Systematic collectionand analysis of chemicaland waste managementdata developed and used

Data and information onchemical and wastemanagement availableand accessible to thepublic, researchers andpolicy makers.

Data and information onGHG emissions from

Number of researchprojects funded.

Number of databasesestablished.

Availability of data onrecyclable waste itemsexported.

Availability of data onwaste disposed at

Customs, Statistic,ECD, MISA,MHMS, KIT,USP, SPREP


research on GHGemissions includinglandfills and biomass.

4. Establish a database onthe quantity and typeof waste disposed inlandfills and exportedfor recycling.

5. Establishing databaseon quantity ofimported anddistributed ODS

landfills established.

Database on wastedisposed in landfills andexported for recyclingestablished.

Database on productsand gases imported fornational consumption

landfills established.

Chemical and wastemanagement datareported annually.

Number of importedODS consumed atnational level annually

WCM2: To strengthen national capacity on sound chemical and waste management including the enforcement of waste andpollution regulations.

1. Enforcement ofpollution provisionsat the national level

1. Strengthen and expandthe operation of theJET (JointEnforcement Team) tocover marine pollution.

Improved coordinationand collaboration withenforcement partners.

Number of pollutionregulation issuesenforced.

Number of inspections/patrols.

Number of meetings.

Number ofenvironment casesissued with compliancenotices, infringementnotices and prosecuted.

Number of

ECD, OAG,Kiribati PoliceServices, MISA(Councils), MHMS,MCTTD (MarineDivision andMTC).


enforcement training(to strengthen JET)

2. RegulateEnvironmentallySignificant Activities(ESA) focusing onpolluting premisesunder the EnvironmentAct (as amended2007).

Polluting premisesissued with environmentlicences and regularlyaudited.

Number ofenvironment licencesissued.

Number of complianceauditing undertaken onenvironment licenceissued.

Number of auditingreports

Number of auditingtrainings.

ECD, OAG,Kiribati PoliceServices,

3. Strengthen relevantlegislation andenactment of draftregulations.

4. Strengthen theenforcement of licensingsystem for imports,handling and storage ofproducts containing ODSand refrigerants

Relevant legislationsreviewed.

Draft regulationsenacted.

Ozone Layer ProtectionRegulation enacted

Number of legislationsreviewed.

Number of regulationsenacted.

Number of pollutionrelated prosecutions

Number of permitapplications

ECD, MFAI, OAG,SPREP, MHMS,MISA (Councils),MCTTD, MCIC,MFED (Customs),private sector


2. Training and capacitybuilding.

Seek and participate intraining opportunitieslocally and internationallyon chemical and wastemanagement and pollutioncontrol.

Conduct trainings andrefresher courses totechnicians, trainers andCustoms on properhandling, detection ofcontaminated and illegaltrade of ODS

Staff trained in all keysectors on best practicein waste and chemicalsmanagement.

Customs officers trainedfor ODS detections,technicians and trainerson best practice andmanagement of ODS

Number of trainings onwaste management andpollution controlheld/attended.

Number of trained staffin chemical and wastemanagement.

Number of Customstrained, technicians andtrainers

Number of briefingreports submitted bytrainees to respectivedirectors

ECD, MISA,MHMS, MCTTD,MoE, PSO, SPREP,SPC, JICA.

OCO, APTC,MLHRD

Support and promoteprivate sector-ledinitiatives and communitybased activities that areenvironmentallyresponsible and friendly.

Project advocatingenvironmentallyresponsible and friendlyconcept implemented.

Number of projectsrelated to waste andchemical managementimplemented.

Number ofcommunities interestedin similar projects.

Number of public-private partnershipsestablished.

ECD, NGO’s,Churches, EYC(EnvironmentalYouth Club),MISA, KCCI,MFED, Chamber ofCommerce.


Facilities for WasteManagement and PollutionControl.

Establish and improvewaste management andpollution control facilities.

Establish temporary ODSbank facilities for theunused and reclaimedproducts

Improved landfills andestablish adequatehazardouswaste/chemical storagefacilities.

Temporary facilityestablished for storingthe reclaimed andunused refrigerants priorshipment for properdisposal overseas

Number of landfillsites improved.

Number of adequatestorage facilitiesestablished.

Proportion of wastemanaged in anenvironmentally soundmanner

Number of recyclingcylinders used.

ECD, MISA(Councils),MCTTD, MPWU,KOIL, PUB,MHMS, ALD(Quarantine), KPA,JICA.

ECD, PrivateSectors,Quarantine, UNEP

WMPC3: To strengthen the mainstreaming of waste management into national development programmes

a) Mainstreaming Chemicaland Waste Managementinto National/SectoralStrategies, Plans andPolicies.

1. Integrate chemical andwaste managementpriorities into Nationaland Sectoral Plans.

2. Implement relevantMEAs and GlobalVoluntary mechanismson waste minimizationand sound chemicalmanagement and in anintegrated manner.

Sound chemical andwaste managementintegrated into Nationaland Sectoral Plans.

Legislations, Policiesand Procedures to meetobligations under MEAsand Voluntarymechanismsimplemented.

Number of entriesaddressing chemicaland waste managementin National andSectoral managementplans or policies.

No. of projectsimplemented.

No. of relevant MEAsKiribati is party to.

No. of Conference of

ECD, MFED, OB,MISA(councils),MCTTD,MFMRD, UNDP,SPREP, UNEP,UNITAR, WHO,ILO,

ECD, OB, MFAI,OAG, MCTTD,Kaoki Maange,KOIL, SPREP.


the Parties of theMEAs that Kiribati isParty to attended

No. of national reportssubmitted

No. of domesticlegislations drafted andpassed.

No. of nationalcoordinatingcommittee meetings onMEAs

b) Sustainable FinancialMechanisms andIncentives.

1. Explore funding fromdevelopment partnersto establish chemicaland waste managementsystems that are self-financing andenvironmentallyfriendly.

Self-financing andenvironmentallyfriendly projectspromoted andimplemented.

No. of self-financingprojects implemented.

No. of developmentpartners providingfinancial support.

No. of projectproposals.

ECD, MFED,MISA, KCCI,Kaoki Mange,OAG


2. Develop economicinstruments and otherinnovative financialmechanisms that arebased on the polluterpays principleincluding the banningof certain importedproducts.

3. Promote and supportenvironmentallyfriendly initiativesincluding greenbusinesses.

National policiesdeveloped to regulateand extends importerscurrent accountabilityfrom selling anddisposing of theirproducts.

Greenbusinesses/initiatives onwaste and chemicalmanagementestablished.

No of new financialmechanisms such astaxes, levies imposedetc.

No of certain productsregulated.

No of policies onpolluter pays principle.

No of green businessesregistered.

No of green businessawards.

ECD, MFED(Customs), KCCI,OAG, MISA,MCIC, SPREP,UNDP.

ECD, MFED,MCIC, KCCI,NGO’s, SPREP,UNEP.

WMPC 4: To effectively coordinate and oversee ongoing national chemical and waste management programmes.

Cross sector coordination andgovernance.

1. Establish thenational wastemanagementcommittee.

National wastemanagement committeeestablished andmembers identified.

Number of meetings. ECD, MHMS,MPWU, MoE,MFED (Customs),MISA (Councils),OB.

2. Strengthennationalcoordinationmechanismsincludinginstitutional set up.

National coordination ofkey stakeholdersinvolved established andstrengthened.

Number of e-forumscreated.

Level of participationin e-forums.

ECD, MHMS,MFED, MFED(Customs), MoE,MISA , OB


3. Implementnational chemicalmanagementprojects promotingInter-Ministerialcoordination.

Cross sectoral projectsimplemented.

Number of projectsimplementedpromoting crosssectoral meetings.

ECD, MHMS,MFED (Customs),MFED, MoE,MISA and OB.

4. Develop a nationalframeworkidentifying rolesand responsibilitiesof waste andchemicalstakeholders.

Stakeholder roles andresponsibilities welldefined.

Mission, vision, workplan, andorganizational charts ofwaste and chemicalstakeholders

ECD, MISA(Councils), MHMS,MCIC, MFED,Kaoki Maange,OB.

5. Support voluntarywaste andchemical programsinvolving civilsociety(communities,NGO’s, youth).

Voluntary campaignsadequately supported Number of voluntary

initiatives.

MELAD, MISA,KANGO.


3.4 Resources Management

Goal: To promote the sustainable use and development of Kiribati’s non-living resources (land, water, coastal andminerals)

Background

Key environmental issues for the management of lands, water and coastal resources of Kiribati are extensively documented in thevarious existing government policies and planning documents. These include, among others, the National Action Plan to AddressLand Degradation and Droughts 2007, MELAD’s Ministry Operational Plan 2008-2011, the State of the Environment reports of1994 and 2002, the National Water Resources Policy 2008 and the National Water Resources Implementation Plan 2008.

The environmental issues for resource management are acute in the nation’s capital, South Tarawa and Kiritimati Island wherethe narrow, vulnerable and highly populated low-lying atolls have experienced declining environmental quality through severeshoreline erosion, ground water contamination and coastal and lagoon pollution under the pressures of growing population andexpanding urbanisation. Populations including illegal squatter settlements continue to increase in already over-crowded areas andclose to designated water reserves such as in Bonriki, South Tarawa. Increasing solid wastes, sewage and liquid waste dischargesoverwhelm the capacities of disposal and management systems and continue to threaten lagoon ecosystems and the groundwaterlens. Increasing domestic sand mining and land reclamation compounds the erosion and vulnerability of the shorelines and coastalareas to frequent storm surges and sea level rise. Options are also under investigation for mineral mining including lagoondredging of aggregate to replace domestic sand mining and the development of deep seabed mineral deposits.

In the last two decades, legislation, policies and plans of government have been developed in an effort to address these keyresources management issues. These support efforts to control population, strengthen the resilience of the environment, inparticular the foreshore, curb illegal sand mining and limit lagoon resources extraction, promote proper waste collection anddisposal, improve soil quality and reverse land degradation and protect freshwater resources. Legislations that are directly relevantor with relevant provisions to resource management include, among others, the Environment Act 1999 (as amended 2007) and theapproved EIA Regulations; the Lands Ordinance 1977; the State Lands Acquisition Ordinance 1977; the Native Land Ordnance1977; the Foreshore and Land Reclamation Ordinance 1977; the Land Planning Ordinance 1977; the State Lands Act 2001 and theSquatters Act 2005. And among the key planning frameworks that were recently developed to address resource managementissues include, among others, the NAP 2007, the National Water Resources Management Plan 2008, and the ESAT 2009.


The strategic environment priorities for resource management in the next four years will largely focus on strengthening theimplementation of key environmental principles, regulations and relevant environment and development plans that support thesustainable development, protection and management of the non-living land, water, coastal and mineral resources of Kiribati.

ResourceManagementPolicy Areas


Key ImplementingAgencies/Partners

RM1: To support the implementation of effective sustainable landuse management plansa) Sustainable

LandusePlanning

1. Strengthen capacities forthe development andimplementation ofsustainable land use plansand practices

Support the review andrevision of the existingnational policies and planswith a view to identifyingand addressing capacityneeds for their effectiveimplementation underrelevant project funding –e.g. the NAP and GEF-funded Sustainable LanduseManagement Projects

Number of plans andpolicies reviewed andunder implementation

LMD, ECD, ALD,PWD, MISA(LocalGovernment)

Support and developeffective local landuseconsultation and planningprocesses to strengthen theimplementation of nationalsustainable landuse policiesand plans at the local level

Number of landuseprocesses improved

Number of islandcouncils that haveimplementedsustainable landusepolicies

LMD, ECD, ALD,MISA (LocalGovernment)

2. Improve the enforcementof relevant resourcemanagement policies andregulations

Increase the enforcement ofrelevant environmentallegislations including EIA inthe planning andmanagement of land

Number of EIAsimplemented

Number of non-compliance cases

ECD, LMD,MISA(Councils), KPS,OAG


resources in highly populatedareas

resolved

Hold community awarenessand education events on keyprinciples and best practicesthat promotes sustainablelanduse

Number of localcommunity awarenessand education eventson sustainable landuseprinciples and practicesimplemented

ECD, LMD, ALD,Churches,KANGO, MediaMoE

RM2: To support the protection and management of limited and vulnerable water resourcesa) National

WaterReserves

1. Strengthen theimplementation ofrelevant environmentalpolicies and legislationscomplimenting andsupporting the protectionof designated nationalwater reserves

Implement national waterreserve protection awarenesscampaigns in communities

Number of awarenessactivities undertaken incommunities aroundthe national waterreserves

Number ofcommunities consulted

ECD, LMD,MISA(Councils), ALD,KPS, PUB, WaterEngineering Unit-MPWU, MHMS

Implement relevantenvironmental policies thatsupport a joint multi-stakeholder implementationof plans to relocate squatterpopulations away from theBonriki water reserves onSouth Tarawa

Percentage of squatterpopulations around theBonriki water reserveon South Tarawa thathas been relocated

ECD, LMD,MISA(Councils), ALD,KPS, PUB, WaterEngineering Unit -MPWU, MHMS

Hold joint multi-stakeholderenforcement of relevantsector regulations forpreventing activities thatthreatened water quality andthe environments of the

Number of existingenvironmental policiesfor relocation that hasbeen successfullyenforced

ECD,LMD,ALD,PUB,MWPU KPS,MISA (IslandCouncils), OAG


national water reserves Number of reports ofjoint enforcementmonitoring of illegalactivities in the Bonrikiwater reserve on SouthTarawa

Number of cases ofillegal activitiesaffecting the Bonrikiwater reserve on SouthTarawa. reported andprosecuted

b. CommunityWater CisternCatchments

1. Improve theimplementation of plans forthe effective rehabilitation andmanagement of existingcommunity water cisterncatchments and theestablishment of new ones

Complete theimplementation of existingplans under the relevantprojects (SLM project) forrehabilitating communitywater cistern catchments

Number of existingcommunity watercistern catchmentsrehabilitation planscompleted

Number of communitywater cisterncatchmentsrehabilitated

ECD, MPWU,Councils, PUB, ,EU (EC), KiribatiHousingCorporation (KHC)

Extend the development ofcommunity cisterncatchments to newcommunities and improvethe management of existingones

Number ofrehabilitatedcommunity cisterns

Number of newcommunities withcisterns

Number ofmanagement plans for

ECD, MPWU,MISA (Councils),PUB


existing communitycistern catchmentsformulated

RM3: To combat the degradation and erosion of the foreshores and coastal areasa) Building the

resilience offoreshoresand coastalareas

1. Implement effective plansfor rehabilitating andimproving the resilience ofthe foreshore and coastalareas

Enforce relevant policies andlegislations for the protectionof the foreshores and coastalareas under the mangroveand coastal vegetationprograms

Number of relevantpolicies and legislationsuccessfully enforced

Number of cases ofillegal and coastaldegrading activitiesreported andprosecuted

ECD,LMD,MFMRD, KPS,OAG, ESATProject

Extend where appropriateand possible the replantingmangroves and coastalvegetation to vulnerableforeshore and coastal sites

Number of new sitescovered with themangrove and coastalvegetation replantingprograms

Number of mangrovesand appropriate coastalvegetation seedlingsplanted

Total length of theforeshore re-vegetatedand restored

ECD, EYC, ALD,KAP, MISA, MoE,ISME, Churches

RM4: To promote sustainable agriculture and soil conservation practices

a) Agriculture& SoilConservation

1. Support theimplementation of existingagricultural and soil

Implement plans that supportsustainable agriculture andsoil conservation practices

Number of sustainableagriculture and soilconservation plans

ALD, ECD, LMD


conservation policies andplans

formulated andimplemented

Areas with improvedagriculture and soilfertility

Enforce policies andlegislations to prevent slashand burn and other activitiesthat increases thevulnerability of lands anddecline in soil fertility

Number of policies andlegislations for theprotection andconservation of soilfertility that has beensuccessfully enforced

Number of slash andburn cases resolved bylocal island councils

Number of IslandCouncils with effectivebylaws implementation

ECD, ALD, OAG,KPS, LMD, MISA

RM5: To support the sustainable use and development of mineral resourcesa) Aggregate

mining1. Strengthen enforcement of

licensing requirements foraggregate mining

Improve the regulatoryprocesses and policies foraddressing the impact ofaggregate mining

Number ofEnvironment Licenseapplications submittedand approved

LMD, ECD,Mineral Unit, KPS,OAG, , ESATProject (MFMRD)

Increase effectivecommunities compliance andawareness programmes

Number of complaintsreceived fromcommunities

LMD, ECD,Mineral Unit, KPS,OAG


2. Involve illegal minersin ESAT Aggregatelagoon mining throughthe reselling ofaggregate from thecompany;

3. Involve cementimporters as conduitsto public in accessingaggregate and theirhardware products.

Illegal miners and suppliersbuy and resell aggregatefrom company

Beach and land miningwill slowly cease thussaving the foreshores ofSouth Tarawa.

Mineral Unit(MFMRD), ECD,private sector

b) SeabedMining

1. Strengthen thecommunication andmainstreaming ofenvironmentalinformation, principlesand legislations intothe development ofmineral resources

Implement consultation,awareness and research thatinvestigate the impacts ofmineral use and developmentprojects including lagoonand deep sea bed aggregateand mineral mining projects

Number of reports ofimpact assessmentstudies of lagoon andsea bed miningactivities completed

ECD, Mineral Unit,OAG, LMD

Hold awareness andinformation events forcommunicating findings onthe impacts of mineralmining on naturalecosystems

Number of awarenessand information eventson the impacts ofmineral miningcompleted

ECD, MineralUnit, Media

2. Consult marineenvironment expertson the information onlikely impact of seabedmining and its likelyimpact on other marineresources, eg. tunaresources and other

More consultation withregional and internationalbodies and localcommunities

More informationavailable

ECD, Mineral Unit(MFMRD), FFA,PNA, SPREP,SOPAC-SPC


marine species

RM6: To improve education and awareness through communication and dissemination of information.

a) ResourcesMonitoringandReporting

1. Strengthen systems for theeffective monitoring andreporting of state andtrends of lands, water,coastal and mineralresources

Establish a minimum set ofindicators and datasetrequirements for resourcemonitoring as part of anintegrated nationalenvironment monitoringsystem

A minimum set ofresource monitoringindicators approved

ECD, LMD, ALD,MFMRD, PUB,Water EngineeringUnit - MPWU,EnvironmentalHealth Unit

Conduct a trial monitoringand reporting of lands, water,coastal and mineral resourcesas part of an integratednational environmentmonitoring and reportingsystem

Trial monitoring andreporting of land,water, coastal andmineral resources aspart of the integratedmonitoring andreporting system

ECD, LMD, ALD,MFMRD, PUB,Water EngineeringUnit - MPWU,EnvironmentalHealth Unit -MHMS


3.5 Environmental Governance

Goal: To advance the development of capacities and systems for implementing effective environmental governance

Background

The modern governance and administration of Kiribati’s environment was formally commissioned with the establishment of anEnvironment Unit by the Government of Kiribati in 1994. In the last twenty years this Unit has grown into the Environment andConservation Division that coordinate various environmental thematic programs that is supported by various multi-stakeholderscommittees and collaborating organisations.

Environmental governance involves not only this formal role of the government but also encompasses the ways non-governmentalgroups, community organisations and the private sector are involved in the development and management of the environmentincluding the ecosystem goods and services. Effective environmental governance is necessary for communities to balance theirdevelopment and environmental needs and respond effectively and creatively to the challenges and opportunities of environmentalprotection and management in Kiribati.

Key aspects of environmental governance that are considered under this section include the effective participation andinvolvement of stakeholders in the generation of knowledge and information and their application in decision making processes;awareness raising and implementation of environmental policies and legislations and the monitoring and communication andmainstreaming of environmental knowledge and information into national development planning processes.

Other related strategic priorities for environmental governance are also defined and supported under the thematic areas above.Therefore, the priorities in this section serve as core generic environmental governance measures to compliment and strengthenthe integration of governance policy actions in the four thematic areas above.


EnvironmentalGovernance PolicyAreas


KeyImplementingAgencies/Partners

EM1: To enhance capacity and engagement of stakeholders for effective participation and involvement in environmentalmanagement and sustainable development activities

a) EnvironmentEducation andTraining

1. Strengthenenvironmentaleducation andtraining in allformal andinformal systemsof education in thecountry

Implement a generalrevision ofenvironmental educationcurriculum and trainingin formal school systemsto identify relatedcapacity building needsand requirements

Report of a generalrevision ofenvironmentaleducation andtraining curriculumin formal schoolsystem completedNumber ofenvironmental schoolcurriculum lessonsrevised anddisseminated

CDRC, ECD

Increase learningresources andapproaches to improvethe teaching ofenvironmentalmanagement principlesand practices in formalschool systems

Number ofenvironmentallearning resourcesproduced anddisseminated toschools to support theteaching ofenvironmentmanagementprinciples andpractices

ECD, Mineral Unit,Fisheries Division– MFMRD,MHMS, MoE,USP, SPREP

Increase thedissemination andmainstreaming ofenvironmentalknowledge and

Number ofenvironmentalinformation resourcesproduced anddisseminated to

ECD, MISA,KANGO, Churches


information in informalcommunity developmenttraining activities

communitydevelopment trainingactivities includingworkshops andinformation events

b) Consultation andCoordination

1. Increase andenhance systemsof consultationand coordinationfor stakeholderparticipation andinvolvement inenvironmentalaction includingthe convening ofthe EnvironmentAdvisoryCommittee

Implement effectivemechanisms tostrengthen thecoordination ofstakeholdersparticipation in multi-disciplinary committeesand decision-makingbodies for environmentalmanagement

Number of effectivecoordinatingmechanisms designedand implementedLevel ofimprovement in thecoordination ofmulti-stakeholdercommittees anddecision-makingbodies

ECD, KCCI,KANGO

Implement public eventssuch as seminars andforums to increase theparticipation ofstakeholders inenvironmentalmanagement andsustainable developmentdiscourse

Number of relevantpublic environmentalevents that promotesdiscourse and sharingof knowledge andinformation onenvironmentalmanagement andsustainabledevelopment

MoE, ECD,Mineral Unit,MISA,KIT, Media,Churches,KANGO, USP

2. Identify relevantprograms andprojects thatsupportsenvironmentalprotection andmanagement and

Minimises duplicatingand wasting funds thatcan be better used onother aspects of eachprojects concerned;

Pooling of limited

Enhanced andincreased benefits tolocal communities

ECD, MISA, IslandCouncils, NGOs,relevant Projectsimplemented inKiribati, Donors


are currentlyimplemented, forcoordination,cooperation andcollaborationpurposes

resources to achievecommon butdifferentiated purposesthat support environmentprotection andmanagement at all levelsof society in Kiribati

EM2: To strengthen and improve the awareness and implementation of environmental policies and legislationsa) Legislation

Awareness raisingand Enforcement

1. Increase publicawareness,ownership andsupport ofenvironmentalpolicies andlegislations at alllevels of society

Implement nationalawareness campaignsespecially in the outerislands on policies andlaws of environmentalmanagement andsustainable development

Number of nationalawareness campaignson principles andlaws ofenvironmentalmanagement andsustainabledevelopmentimplementedNumber of outerislands awarenesscampaign

MoE, ECD,Mineral Unit,MISA, OAG,Kiribati PoliceServices (KPS),MHMS, KIT,Media, Churches,KANGO, USP

2. Increase capacitieswithin ECD forthe enforcement ofenvironmentlegislation andpolicies

Regulations, guidelinesand codes of practice inplace for environmentallegislation andinspectors trained intheir use

Number of guidelinesin place

Number of trainedinspectors

ECD, Police, OAG

3. Increase capacitiesof governmentagencies andisland councils forparticipation andinvolvement in theenforcement of

Implement measures tostrengthen the roles ofgovernment ministriesand island councils inthe enforcement ofenvironmental laws withemphasis on impact

Number of measuresdeveloped andimplemented tostrengthen ministries’support ofenvironmental lawenforcement

MISA, ECD,Police, OAG


environmental andrelated laws

assessment policies andregulations

Level of ministriesactive participation inthe national EIAprocess

EM3: To improve and strengthen the generation, monitoring and management of data for MEA and state of theenvironment reporting for national development policy and planning processes

a) EnvironmentalMonitoring andReporting

1. Develop effectiveand functioningnational systemfor monitoring andreporting on thestate of theenvironment thatintegrates andstreamline themonitoring andreportingrequirements ofthe governmentincluding those forMEAs and MDGs

Establish an appropriateset of indicators andintegrated assessmentframework for regularmonitoring andreviewing of the state ofenvironment thatincorporate theperformance indicatorsof the KIEP and theMEA monitoring andreporting obligations ofthe country

A set of indicatorsfor monitoring thestate of theenvironment of thecountryA framework forintegrated assessmentof the national stateof the environmentNumber of MEAmonitoring andreportingrequirementsincorporated andmainstreamed intothe national state ofthe environmentmonitoring system

ECD, FisheriesDivision, MineralUnit, ALD,MHMS, MFED

Conduct a first trial ofthe integrated state of theenvironment monitoringand reporting system

A report of thenational state of theenvironmentintegrated monitoringand review producedand launched

ECD

b) EnvironmentalCommunicationand

1. Strengthencapacities foreffective

Increase the use ofappropriate technologiesand associated social

Number oftechnologies andsocial networks

MFED, MELAD,MFMRD, MCTTD


Mainstreaming communicationand mainstreamingof the environmentinto developmentplanning processes

network such aswebsites, GIS, multi-media and media in thecommunication andmainstreaming ofenvironmentalknowledge andinformation intodevelopment planningpolicies and decision-making

developed and usedto communicateenvironmentalknowledge andinformation to policyand decision-makinginstitutions andleaders


4. HUMAN RESOURCESAND FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The effective implementation of the KIEP will require strengthening of the Environment and Conservation Division and the widernetwork of partner agencies and stakeholders, whose portfolios overlap with enhancing and supporting the environment protectionand management portfolio, as well as in the position to achieve the objectives of this KIEP from their respective sectors. This willinclude considerations for additional staff; a possible expansion of existing institutional arrangements especially to cater for theouter islands and an increase in financial resources to facilitate and implement policy actions on the ground.

The expansion of human resources and financial requirements for environmental administration to meet the implementation needsof this policy will also be guided on the direction and priority of the government’s public sector reform processes, including thestreamlining of national agencies functions and operations and a potential decentralisation and strengthening of the administrationat the island groups and local levels.

The KIEP will assist in identifying key areas where funding proposals can be made to donor partners. It will also serve as a usefulguide through which donors, regional and United Nations organisations and other partners can design their contributions andassistance to protect and manage Kiribati’s environment to support livelihoods, human health and the economy throughsustainable development.


5. IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND REVIEWING SCHEDULE

The implementation of the KIEP will take effect from the time that it is approved by Cabinet. Its strategic priorities guide the ECDcomponent of MELAD’s MOP and contribute to the KDP. It will be implemented through annual work-plans and budgets of theMELAD-ECD and is evaluated both at the operational performance levels and at the strategic impact levels during the duration ofthe KDP. Operational performance indicators are defined in the policy’s strategic priorities and are to be monitored and reviewedannually. Strategic impacts indicators will be defined as part of Kiribati’s State of the Environment monitoring and reviewingsystem. The SOE reviews will be carried out at the end of the KDP as the environment component of the KDP review and willfurnish the comprehensive information for the formulation of the environmental policy priorities and targets for the new KDP.Strategic priorities have been defined in the policy for organising and building the capacities of MELAD-ECD to effectivelymonitor and evaluate KIEP at both the operational performance and strategic impact levels.


REFERENCES

The following are key sources of information and guidance that were used in the development of the policy and the strategic plan.

MELAD 2007. NATIONAL ADAPTATION PROGRAM OF ACTION (NAPA). South Tarawa, Kiribati.http://www.environment.gov.ki/

GOK 2007. Republic of Kiribati: Kiribati Country Report to the Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on BiologicalDiversity (CBD). South Tarawa, Kiribati: Government of Kiribati: Ministry of Environment, Lands and AgricultureDevelopment.

NBSAP 2005 NAP 2007 KAP 2 outcome documents 2006 - 2010 MELAD Ministry Operational Plan 2009 – 2011 GOK 2008. The Kiribati Development Plan 2008 - 2011: Enhancing economic growth for sustainable development. Bairiki,

South Tarawa: Government of Kiribati: Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. Kiribati’s Energy Policy 2009 Kiribati National Capacity Self- Assessment to the Rio Convention Report 2009 Draft Kiribati Meteorological Service Strategic Plan 2012-2018 Kiribati government climate change portal http://www.climate.gov.ki/ Initial national communication 1999 (second to be presented in Durban 2011) Comments from the Review Template of the KDP 4 2008-2011 related to the Environmental Management component

government of the republic of kiribati final.pdf · government of the republic of kiribati kiribati...

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