The Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) consists of 29 coral atolls and 5 low-lying islands spread over 2.1 million km2 of the Central Pacific. Typical of small islands, the harmony between nature and people is being threatened in a number of fronts. First, traditional conservation and management practices that are linked to land ownership and extended family lineages are, are slowly being eroded. Second, there is increasing commercial fishing pressure on reef and lagoon resources targeting reef fish, sharks, turtles, groupers and sea cucumbers for local and export markets. Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing does not only concern the EEZ but also on nearshore fisheries with fishing companies approaching local communities to purchase giant clams, lobsters, coconut crabs, sea cucumbers and shark fins. Third, climate change related events such as sea level rise, rising ocean temperature and ocean acidification is further undermining the resilience of these atoll ecosystems.
This project aims to support the operationalization of the Reimaanlok the National Conservation Area Plan, adopted in 2008 to effectively conserve at least 30% of the nearshore marine resources and 20% of the terrestrial resources by 2020. The project objective is to sustain atoll biodiversity and livelihoods by building community and ecosystem resilience to threats and degrading influences through integrated management of terrestrial and coastal resources. The principles and processes outlined in Reimaanlok will be implemented in 5 islands/atolls, the lessons from which will guide replication in other sites. The five priority islands/atolls are Aur, Ebon, Likiep, Mejit and Wotho.
Work will be done in three components.
Component 1: Expanding and Sustaining RMI Protected Area Network, focuses on the implementation of RMIs commitment to its protected area network (PAN) and thus contributing to the Micronesia Challenge and Aichi targets.
Component 2: Improved Governance for Integrated Atoll Management, provides the supportive governance framework to fully implement the Reimaanlok process. It is noted that he PAN (Protected Areas Network) Act was passed providing a new governance baseline for the project.
Component 3, Knowledge Management, strengthens local engagement with respect to conservation and climate change adaptation planning and implementation and develops tools for management.
Progress reports
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
Type of commitment
- Community or Locally Managed Marine Areas
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
Type of commitment
- No take marine protected area
- Locally or community managed marine areas
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
Type of commitment
- Legal/policy/institutional measures
- Community empowerment for fisheries management
December 2020
The coverage of new nearshore marine protected areas is increased by 30,550 ha and in succeeding years, Resource Management Plans (NRMPs), inclusive of integrated terrestrial and coastal resource assessments and management strategies, approved by local resource committees and under implementation
March 2021
National repository for spatial biodiversity and resource management information enhanced and sustained through the ConservationGIS a database and online clearing house with user access protocols
Marshall Islands
