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THE REPUBLIC OF
THE MARSHALL ISLANDS
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
2017-2022
SPREP Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
The Republic of the Marshall Islands National Environment Management Strategy 2017–2022. Apia, Samoa : SPREP, 2018.
24 p. ; 29 cm.
ISBN: 978-982-04-0767-1 (print)
978-982-04-0768-8 (ecopy)
1.Environmental policy – Republic of the Marshall Islands.
2.Environmental protection.
3.Conservation of natural resources.
- Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
II.Title.
363.7099683
SPREP authorises the reproduction of this material, whole or in part, provided appropriate acknowledgement is given.
Photos: Unless otherwise acknowledged, all photographs were taken by SPREP staff. Designed by: The Little Design Company, Wellington, New Zealand.
An initiative of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States funded by the European Union.
This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union and the United Nations Environment Programme. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union or the United Nations Environment Programme.
+685 21929 [email protected] www.sprep.org
A resilient Pacific environment sustaining our livelihoods and natural heritage in harmony with our cultures.
CONTENTS
Acknowledgments ii
Glossary iii
Foreword iv
1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Rationale for the RMI National Environment Management Strategy 1
1.2 Process of RMI NEMS Formulation 2
1.3 Mandate and scope of Strategy 2
1.4 Policy Goals and Objectives 2
2 GUIDING PRINCIPLES 3
2.1 Leadership and Good Governance 3
2.2 Collective Responsibility for the Environment 3
2.3 Indigenous Knowledge, Practices and Innovations 3
2.4 Integration of the Environment and Development 3
3 OTHER NEMS STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 4
3.1 Theme one: Atmosphere and Climate – SDG 7, 13. 4
3.2 Theme two: Land – SDG 1, 2, 15. 6
3.3 Theme three: Marine – SDG 14 7
3.4 Theme Four: Biodiversity – SDG 15; Aichi Targets 1, 2, 7, 9, 12, 14, 19 10
3.5 Theme five: Culture and Heritage – SDG 4, 12. 12
3.6 Theme six: Built Environment – SDG 1,6,7,11,12 13
3.7 Theme Seven: Nuclear Legacy – SDG 1, 2, 10. 15
4 HUMAN RESOURCES AND FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 16
5 Implementation, Monitoring and Reviewing Schedule 16
Acknowledgements
The RMI National Environment Management Strategy 2017–2022 was developed through the contributions of many people and organisations, listed below. Their assistance is greatly appreciated.
COORDINATION AND PLANNING Office of Environmental Planning and Policy Coordination
Lowell Alik – Director
Warwick Harris – Deputy Director
SPREP
Paul Anderson
Jope Davetanivalu
Dr. Melanie Bradley
Anama Solofa
Moriana Philips
Kilom Ishiguro
WRITING, ANALYSIS, DESIGN AND COMPILATION
Jope Davetanivalu – SPREP
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
Foster Lanwe – CMI Land Grant
Don Hess – CMI
Karl Fellenius – CMI
Abraham Hicking – EPA
Tuvuki Ketedromo – EPA
Lani Milne – EPA
Dahlia Kaneko – EPPSO
Chris Yanckello – EPPSO
Mabel Peter – HPO
Kazutoyo Wase – HPO
Jorelik Tibon – MAWC
Mark Stege – MICS
Samuel Lanwi – MIMRA
Florence Edwards – MIMRA
Emma Kabua – MIMRA
Melba White – MIMRA
Benedick Yamamura – MIMRA
Tonie Kalena DeBrum-Kattil – MIMRA
Obet Kilo – MOFA
Josepha Maddison – MOIA
Rebecca Lorennij – Secretary MRD
Dolores DeBrum-Kattil – MRD
Angeline Heine – MRD
Karness Kusto – MRD
Ned Lobwij – MRD
Walter Myazoe – MRD
Halston Debrum – MWSC
Kino Kabua – Office of the Chief Secretary
Jennifer Debrum – Office of the Chief Secretary
Hemline Ysawa – EPPSO
Dr. Riyad Mucadam – OEPPC
Lowell Alik – OEPPC
Benson Langidrik – OEPPC
Warwick Harris – OEPPC
Michael Donoghue – SPREP
Tim Hartley – SPREP
Espen Ronneberg – SPREP
Lee Jacklick – Weather Services
Nover Juria – Weather Services
Kathryn Relang – WUTMI
We acknowledge the financial support provided by the Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs) project for the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group, funded by the European Union (EU). The ACP MEA project is supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and executed in the Pacific by SPREP and the Australian Government.
Glossary
ACP | African, Caribbean, Pacific |
CFC | Chlorofluorocarbons |
CMAC | Coastal Management Advisory Council |
CMI | College of the Marshall Islands |
HCFC | Hydrochlorofluorocarbons |
HPO | Historical Preservation Office |
EPA | Environmental Protection Authority |
EPPSO | Economic Policy, Planning and Statistics Office |
FFA | Forum Fisheries Agency |
GHG | Greenhouse Gases |
IAS | Invasive Alien Species |
IUCN | International Union for Conservation of Nature |
MAWC | Majuro Atoll Waste Company |
MC | Micronesia Challenge |
MEA | Multilateral Environmental Agreement |
MEC | Marshalls Energy Company |
MICS | Marshall Islands Conservation Society |
MIIST | Marshall Islands Invasive Species Taskforce |
MIMRA | Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority |
MMA | Marine Managed Areas |
MNRD | Ministry of Natural Resource and Development |
MOIA | Ministry of Internal Affairs |
MWSC | Majuro Water and Sewer Company |
NCD | Non-Communicable Diseases |
NEMS | National Environmental Management Strategy |
NGO | Non-Government Organization |
ODS | Ozone Depleting Substances |
OEPPC | Office of Environmental Planning and Policy Coordination |
PAN | Protected Area Network |
RMI | Republic of the Marshall Islands |
SAMOA | Pathway SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action Pathway |
SEA | Strategic Environmental Assessment |
SDG | Sustainable Development Goal |
SoE | State of Environment |
SPC | Secretariat of the Pacific Community |
SPREP | Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme |
T&C | Ministry of Transportation and Communication |
UNDP | United Nations Development Fund |
UNEP | United Nations Environment Programme |
UNFCCC | United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change |
WUTMI | Women United Together Marshall Islands |
FOREWORD
The National Environment Management Strategy 2017–2022 is a commitment by the Republic of the Marshall Islands to conserve and improve its environment for current and future generations.
In the RMI State of Environment Report (SoE) 2016 (SPREP), the Office of Environment Protection and Policy Coordination (OEPPC) worked with other sectors and partners to identify its shortfalls. A strategy to address these shortfalls was developed through the National Environment Management Strategy (NEMS) 2017–2022.
The NEMS 2017–2022 promotes sustainable development and integrates environment conservation and the proper governance of development efforts.
1INTRODUCTION
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) spreads across 822,779 square miles of the Pacific Ocean, with a total landmass of 70 square miles and a maximum elevation of two metres.
Marshallese life is based on subsistence fishing and agriculture: traditional ways are in harmony with, and sustained by, the natural environment. However, the RMI Guidebook on Environment Law (2013) notes that these traditional practices are in decline. Communities have become more reliant on imported food and goods. The benefits of modern life include better access to education, telecommunications and contact with the outside world. However, the changes have also led to new behaviour that is frequently damaging to the natural environment, such as waste disposal that pollutes the seas1.
In 2015, SPREP worked with the RMI Government to produce a State of Environment (SoE) report, through its UNEP-ACP/MEA funding. An RMI National Environment Management Strategy (NEMS) was developed to guide RMI’s response to issues identified in the SoE.
According to the Coastal Management Framework of RMI 2008, most of the coasts are in pristine natural condition. However, as foreign aid has centralized the economy and urban populations have rapidly increased with little environmental oversight, the urban coasts and environment have become severely degraded. This has made the population more vulnerable, lowered the economic potential for sustainable development and increased human health hazards.2
Women’s empowerment and gender equality will be taken into account when delivering the strategic actions of the NEMS. The focus on environment conservation is particularly important for women in the outer atolls given the difficulty that communities face in terms of low incomes and a lack of basic services.
1.1 RATIONALE FOR THE RMI NATIONAL ENvIRONMENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
According to the RMI State of Environment (SoE) report, the environment quality is rapidly deteriorating. This is due to increases in development and population in the low-lying and limited land area. The key environmental risks are:
- sea level rise as a result of climate change;
- climate variability and disaster;
- rising population density in Majuro;
- decline in traditional resource management;
- unsustainable use of natural resources, and
- poor waste management and pollution control.
1 Guideline of Environment Law: Republic of Marshall Islands (2013); NSW 2 Coastal Management Framework of RMI (2008); Republic of Marshall EDO, Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, SPREP. Islands. |
The development of the NEMS will assist the RMI Government and the OEPPC to restore the deteriorating environment, as revealed in the SoE. The NEMS identifies key stakeholders who will assist in the implementation of its programs – this will allow better coordination of activities within, and outside, the government.
1.2 PROCESS OF RMI NEMS FORMULATION
A national consultation was held in the capital Majuro in
2015, with a second round of consultations in October 2016. The NEMS was developed from the issues identified in each of the thematic areas in the SoE 2016 (see Table 1).
1.3 MANDATE AND SCOPE OF STRATEGY
The NEMS aims to strengthen the international, regional and national coordination of the government’s efforts to cope with complex environment needs, as identified in the SoE. The implementation of the NEMS will be coordinated and monitored by the OEPPC.
The NationalEnvironmental Protection Act 2016 provides for the functions of the OEPPC.
1.4 POLICY GOALS AND OBjECTIvES
The strategic plan is based on the thematic areas in the SoE of atmosphere and climate; land; marine; biodiversity; culture and heritage; built environment, and nuclear legacy.
Table 1 sets out the thematic policy goals and strategic objectives. The policy implementation is presented in Section 3.
TABLE 1.THEMATIC POLICY GOALS AND STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
Environment Theme | Strategic Focus Area | Link to SDGs, Aichi Targets, SAMOA Pathway and Framework for Pacific Regionalism |
1. Atmosphere and Climate | 1 Committed to reduction in greenhouse gases (GhGs) and reduction in fossil fuel purchase. 2 Reduction in use of Ozone Depletion Substances (ODS). 3 Provide enabling environment for the protection and management of the physical environment. 4 Ensure RMI commitment to Climate Change adaptation. | - SDG 7, SDG 13.
- Sustainable Energy and Climate Change.
- Improve livelihoods and wellbeing and use the environment sustainably.
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2. Land | 1 Ensure protection of existing vegetation, coconuts, breadfruit and pandanus. 2 Promote sustainable agricultural practices on cultivated land, with more focus on traditional practices. 3 Committed to protection of wetlands. | - SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 15.
- Economic growth and Food security.
- Improve livelihoods and wellbeing.
- aichi Targets 4, 6, 7, 9, 12, 18.
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3. Marine | 1 Control the offshore marine resources exploitation. 2 Proper management of inshore marine environment. 3 Marine mammals and turtles are to be protected. | - SDG 14
- biodiversity and Oceans management.
- Improve livelihoods and wellbeing.
- aichi Targets 4, 6, 7, 9, 12, 18.
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4. Biodiversity | 1 Protect special ecosystems, sites, tradition, language and species. 2 Foster long term protection and maintenance of biodiversity within RMI. | - SDG 14, SDG 15.
- Oceans and Sea.
- Improve livelihoods and wellbeing.
- aichi Targets 4, 6, 7, 9, 12, 18.
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5. Culture and Heritage | 1 To conserve historical sites. 2 To preserve the native Marshallese language. 3 Maintain traditional consumption and production of food and medicine. | - SDG 10.
- Social development.
- Improve livelihoods and wellbeing.
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6. Built Environment | 1 To provide efficient, sustainable and accessible energy. 2 To provide proper waste management services. 3 Proper management of hazardous waste. 4 Maintain and provide proper water resources. 5 Deliver sound sewage and sanitation management. | - SDG 1, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12.
- Sustainable growth and inclusive and equitable growth with decent work for all; water and sanitation; sustainable energy; consumption and production.
- Improve livelihoods and wellbeing; economic growth that is inclusive and equitable.
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7. Nuclear Legacy | 1 Improve governance support to nuclear affected Marshallese for better livelihoods. | - SDG 1, 2, 9, 11, 15, 16, 17.
- Sustained and sustainable, inclusive and equitable economic growth; Disaster risk reduction.
- Improve livelihoods and wellbeing.
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2 GUIDING PRINCIPLES
This implementation plan is guided by four key principles: leadership and good governance; collective responsibility for the environment; indigenous knowledge, practices and innovations; and integration of the environment and development.
2.1 LEADERSHIP AND GOOD GOVERNANCE
The RMI Government will lead efforts to protect, manage and promote the sustainable use of the country’s environment and its natural resources. This implies upholding good governing practices of transparency, accountability, shared responsibility and equity in the consideration of environmental requirements in development practices. It respects everyone’s right to a clean and healthy environment. It also recognizes key principles for respecting the needs and capacities of the natural environment such as the precautionary, polluter pays and carrying capacity principles.
The Precautionary Principleis defined in the UN Agenda 21 Rio Declaration as “Where there are 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”.
The Polluter Pays Principlemeans that populations are justly responsible for the waste and pollution they generate either directly or through payments for the available mitigation and management services. The principle extends to society’s responsibility to pay for the programs that help to replenish, restore and rehabilitate natural resources and the environment that were exploited or degraded through extensive development activities.
The Carrying Capacity Principlemay be defined as the ability of the environment to sustain the needs of human development and its own natural requirements. Development should respect the limits of the carrying capacities of its hosting environment if it is to achieve a more 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’s responsibility. This is carried out at the individual and collective levels. This principle recognizes each individual as holding the key responsibility. It also recognizes the relevant roles and influences that all sectors and institutions of the society have in contributing to the protection and management of the RMI environment and its goods and services.
2.3 INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICES AND INNOVATIONS
The RMI has developed valuable indigenous knowledge and practices. These can contribute positively to the sustainable use and effective management of natural resources and the environment. These traditions and practices are important elements of RMI culture and heritage that form the national identity. They are integrated into the implementation issues identified in the SoE report. The Department of Environment (DoE) has a significant role in protecting, managing and sustainably using island biodiversity, which also supports indigenous knowledge, practices and innovation.
2.4 INTEGRATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
This principle recognizes that the environment underpins development. It recognizes the challenges in balancing the needs of the environment and the development needs of human society in RMI. It is vital that economic and/or physical development must be linked with environmental protection, to facilitate long-term sustainability. This principle emphasizes the importance of credible scientific information to support the integration of the environment into development planning and implementation. It also recognizes appropriate value systems of the people in the RMI that promote the integrity of the environment.
3 OTHER NEMS STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
3.1THEME ONE: ATMOSPHERE AND CLIMATE – SDG 7, 13.
NEMS Action Area | Strategies | Targets | Performance Indicator | Key Implementing Agencies and Partners | |
Greenhouse Gas (GhG) Target 7.b Indicator 7.b.1 | RMI commits to a quantified economy-wide target to reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases (GhG). RMI communicates, as an indicative target, its intention to reduce its emissions of GhGs. Energy Efficiency in households and government. Efficiency improvement in transport sector fuel. To provide power generation through indigenous renewable resources e.g. coconut. | 32% below 2010 levels by 2025. 45% below 2010 levels by 2030. businesses 50% energy efficient, and government buildings 75% energy efficient by 2020. To achieve a 20% efficiency improvement in transport sector fuel use by 2020. 20% of power generation through renewable resources by 2020. | Reduction of GhGs yearly. Reports indicating reduction of GhG emissions yearly. Reports of energy efficiency in households and governments. Improvement in transport sector fuel. Reports indicating indigenous resources. | OEPPC, EPa, MRD, T&C, EPPSO. | |
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NEMS Action Area | Strategies | Targets | Performance Indicator | Key Implementing Agencies and Partners | |
Ozone Depleting Substances. Target 7.b Indicator 7.b.1 | Monitoring and data collection of ODS imports needs to be improved. The proposal for all government offices to use hFCs is a positive way forward, regarding the phasing out of the hCFCs. Database of ODS Exports. | Develop a database for all ODS imports yearly. all government offices to use hFCs – 2019. Records of ODS exports for disposal are kept yearly. | Information available on ODS imports. hCFCs phasing out and all government offices to use hFCs. Registers of exports. | Ports authority, OEPPC, EPa, MEC, R&D, MIMRa, Local Government. | |
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Regular refresher courses for training technicians. Monitor fishing vessels. | yearly Training. all fishing vessels to use ODS policies. | Improved knowledge and compliance with ODS policies and laws. Record of fishing vessels complying with ODS Polices and guidelines. | |
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Physical Climate. Target 1.5; 11.5; 13.1; 13.3. Indicator 1.5.3; 11.5.2; 13.1.1; 13.3.1; 13.3.2. | Establish and support an enabling environment for improved coordination of disaster risk management/climate change adaptation in RMI. Public Education and awareness on Physical Climate. Low Carbon Future. | Thorough assessment on different thematic areas, i.e. coastal, water, energy, food, infrastructure, health, education, social, governance – 2018. yearly. Improved Energy Security, working towards low carbon future yearly. | assessment report endorsed and adaptation measures adopted. Knowledge increased and practiced. Low carbon emission. | Office of the Chief Secretary, OEPPC, EPa, CMaC, MICS, hPO, Public Works, Majuro Weather Services. | |
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Enhanced Emergency Preparedness and Response at all levels of Government. Improve information for storm surge preparedness and implementation of emergency response/action plan. Mapping and data collection for health related impacts from climate events e.g. dengue. | yearly. yearly. 2019. | Government response improved. Information readily available for public information. Information available for decision makers and communities. | |
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better guidance on the types of development in coastal areas – Landowners Guide to Coastal Protection (Uh authored the Guidelines). Use of climate data for planning and forecasting beyond weather forecasting. | Guideline reviewed and awareness raised in 2018. yearly. | Controlled coastal development and knowledge improved. better integrated use of climate data for planning and forecasting beyond weather forecasting, e.g. for agriculture, environment, health, social welfare planning, etc. | |
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Climate Change adaptation. Target 3.2 Indicator 3.2.1 | Evaluate the implementation of the 2011 RMI National Climate Change Policy Framework (NCCPF), which sets out RMI’s commitments and responsibilities to address climate change (Copied from the Second National Communication to the UNFCCC, p. 18). Evaluation of the Micronesia Challenge Partnership. | 2017. 2017. | Evaluation report submitted for necessary action. TOR and Report produced and submitted for action. | Office of the Chief Secretary, Majuro Weather Services, Public Works, OEPPC, EPa, CMaC, MICS, hPO/alele, MIMRa, Local Government. | |
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3.2Theme Two: Land – SdG 1, 2, 15.
nEMS action area | Strategies | Targets | Performance Indicator | Key Implementing agencies and Partners | |
Forest: Natural Forests and Coconut. Target 2.4 Indicator 2.4.1 | The botanical surveys of the smaller islands. | 2020. | Survey report submitted for actions. | MICS, CMI, R&D, Lands Division, OEPPC, EPA, Taiwan Farm. | |
Regular and comprehensive monitoring particularly in urban centers to spot trends in forest growth. | Ongoing. | Mapping report submitted. Copra production statistics. R&D coconut replanting program. | |
Agriculture: Land under cultivation. Target 1.4 Indicator 1.4.1 | Conduct a nationwide agricultural census. | 2023. | Agriculture census produced. | MICS, CMI, R&D, Lands Division, OEPPC, EPA. | |
Awareness of traditional agriculture practices and crops. | Yearly. | Knowledge on traditional agricultural practices increased and practiced. | |
Wetlands. Target 15.1 Indicator 15.1.2 | Establish an additional Ramsar site on Lib Island, which has a significant freshwater wetland that is yet to be managed. Preserve national resources for overall environmental health of RMI. | 2020. Yearly. | Lib island as Ramsar site, Namdrik and Mejit Island protection site, More wetlands should be conserved and managed. | MICS, CMI, R&D, Lands Division, OEPPC, EPA, R2R Program, Local Government. | |
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3.3THEME THREE: MARINE – SDG 14
NEMS Action Area | Strategies | Targets | Performance Indicator | Key Implementing Agencies and Partners | |
Offshore Marine Environment: Tuna, Sharks and by-catch harvested. Target 14.4 Indicator 14.4.1 | Enhance the ability of surveillance and enforcement of fisheries plans. Develop Management plan for sharks. | yearly. 2017/18. | agencies working together to enforce fisheries laws. Plan developed and endorsed. | MIMRa, RMI Sea Patrol, OEPPC, MICS, EPa, R2R Project, CMaC, MWSC, Local Government, Internal affairs, R&D, Ports authority. | |
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Inshore Marine Environment: Percent live coral cover. Target 14.1; 14.7 Indicator 14.1.1; 4.7.1 | Management of coral reefs by continuous monitoring. | yearly. | Reports submitted yearly. | MIMRa, RMI Sea Patrol, MICS, EPa, R2R Project, CMaC, MWSC, Local Government, Internal affairs, R&D, Ports authority, Mal Government. MIMRa and its CMaC partners. | |
Integrated management of marine and terrestrial systems through a community-based approach implementing the Reimaanlok (National Framework for Conservation area Planning). Replacement of the sewage outfall. Develop database for natural resources management. Develop plans for limited fishing of herbivores before, during, and after periods of elevated Sea Surface Temperatures. | yearly. 2019. 2018. 2018/19. | Principles, processes and guidelines established on conservation areas. Outfall replaced and improved water quality. Information on resources management obtained. Mitigate effects of bleaching on coral reef health. | |
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NEMS Action Area | Strategies | Targets | Performance Indicator | Key Implementing Agencies and Partners | |
Inshore Marine Environment: Species Diversity. Target 14.5; 14.c. Indicator 14.5.1; 14.c.1 | Monitoring, control and surveillance activities and to be extended to outer island communities through training of local governments. Expand the network of locally managed marine protected areas. | yearly. 2017. | Monitoring works improved with reports developed and submitted. Network extended and capacity of members | MIMRa, RMI Sea Patrol, OEPPC, MICS, EPa, R2R Project, CMaC, MWSC, Local Government, Internal affairs, R&D, Ports authority, Mal Government, MIIST. | |
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| | Regulations and guidelines to be developed in regards to introduction of alien and invasive marine species. Evaluate the regional Invasive Species Strategic action Plan for Micronesia. | 2017/2018. address gaps in capacity and more awareness yearly. | increased. Regulation endorsed and enforced. awareness delivered and gaps identified addressed. | | |
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Develop invasive introduced species management plans. | 2017. | Plan developed and implemented. | |
Inshore Marine Environment: Reef fisheries biomass. Target 14.4; 14.a; 14.7 Indicator 14.4.1; 14.a.1; 4.7.1 | Fish biomass Survey of Kwajalein and Maloelap atolls with two other small atolls. Trend of the fish market imports, more data from different years should be included and continuously monitored. | 2019/2020. yearly. | Population effects on fish biomass in RMI. better insight into how much fish has been transported from the outer islands into the urban centers. | MIMRa, RMI Sea Patrol, OEPPC, MICS, EPa, R2R Project, CMaC, MWSC, Local Government, Internal affairs, R&D, Ports authority, Mal Government. | |
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Identify species listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red list due to their susceptibility to overfishing, and spawning aggregations. Monitoring of species of commercial interest, such as sea cucumbers and trochus. | yearly. yearly. | Species listed and registered. Minimum harvest densities are achieved. | |
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Inshore marine Environment: Marine Managed area. Target 14.5 Indicator 14.5.1 | Effectiveness of enforcement efforts needs to be document and monitored. Develop PaN regulations and other necessary instruments. | yearly training. 2017/2018. | Enforcement efforts document and compliance improved. Standardize existing and new protected sites. | MIMRa, RMI Sea Patrol, OEPPC, MICS, EPa, R2R Project, CMaC, MWSC, Local Government, Internal affairs, R&D, Ports authority, Mal Government. | |
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NEMS Action Area | Strategies | Targets | Performance Indicator | Key Implementing Agencies and Partners | |
Inshore Marine Environment: Lagoon Water Quality. Target 14.1 Indicator 14.2.1 | Database for Lagoon Water Quality to be improved. Reticulation of sewage waste may need to be considered for sensitive coastal foreshore areas. | 2017/2018. 2017/2018. | Determine trends and the relative proportion of pollution sources to the ambient marine environment (e.g. proportion of human vs animal sewage vs solid and other liquid waste). Sewage system improved. | OEPPC, MIMRa, RMI Sea Patrol, MICS, EPa, R2R Project, CMaC, MWSC, Local Government, Internal affairs, R&D, Ports authority, Mal Government. | |
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Development of effective waste management systems that will help. | 2017/2018. | Control contaminates such as solid waste, human and animal waste, from being discharged into coastal areas. | |
Marine mammals and turtles. Target 14.a; 14.b. Indicator 14.a.1; 14.b.1. | Education and awareness are needed to support the conservation and management of all marine resources in general. Promotion of community-based resource management planning – The Reimaanlok: National Conservation area Plan. Improving existing legislation – The RMI Marine Turtle Legislation (Review by Kabua. E and Edwards. F. 2010). | yearly. yearly. 2017–2019. | MIMRa recognizes the importance of protecting sea turtles and cetaceans and recommends the following actions to address declining species populations. Increase in awareness and natural resource management. Legislation endorsed by Government and enforced. | MIMRa, RMI Sea Patrol, OEPPC, MICS, EPa, R2R Project, CMaC, MWSC, Local Government, Internal affairs, R&D, Ports authority, Mal Government. | |
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Conduct research and monitoring on population and harvesting. Monitoring and enforcement. Due to limited resources (both human and finance), there is poor monitoring, compliance, enforcement and surveillance. Capacity building is needed at the institutional level, and with communities. | yearly. yearly. | Research findings into policy. Registration of enforcement officers and compliance improved. | |
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3.4Theme Four: Biodiversity – sdG 15; Aichi tArGets 1, 2, 7, 9, 12, 14, 19
NeMs Action Area | strategies | targets | Performance indicator | Key implementing Agencies and Partners | |
Endemic, Native and Threatened Species. Target 15.5; 15.8 Indicator 15.5.1; 15.8.1 | Established legislative laws to protect 19 endangered species: 18 marine and one terrestrial. Other threatened species are protected under each individual atoll’s local jurisdiction. Local governments set all the restrictions on land and near-shore marine resources. MIMRA provides advice and technical adaptive management assistance for local governments. Develop management plans for endangered species eg Mule (Ducula oceanica ratakensis – Ratak Micronesian Pigeon). | 2017–2019 2019/2020. | Laws endorsed on protection of native and threatened species. Management Plan developed and endorsed. | OEPPC, MIMRA, CMAC, R&D, EPA, Customs Office, Ports Authority, MICS. | |
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NeMs Action Area | strategies | targets | Performance indicator | Key implementing Agencies and Partners | |
Environment Invasive Species. Target 15.8 Indicator 15.8.1 | Border responses are mainly driven by economic pests e.g. African snail, oriental fruit fly (intercepted and eradicated). There is a need to increase support for invasive species that do not have a perceived economic impact. National biodiversity steering committee has been established to coordinate and address national biosecurity issues and concerns. Fruit fly early response plan. | Yearly. Yearly. 2017/2018. | Border controlled improved reduction in invasive species entry. Regional Biosecurity Strategic Plan. Boarding party data. Biosecurity system well in place. Fruit fly response plan in place. | OEPPC, CMAC, R&D, EPA, MIMRA, Customs Office, Ports Authority, MICS, MIIST. | |
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Key species of concern. | Currently, a Mule conservation plan is lacking. More needs to be done with the turtle research and legislations reviews. | Develop a conservation plan in 2017/18. | More research to inform policy making. Appropriate measures are taken to protect these species of concern. | OEPPC, CMAC, R&D, EPA, MIMRA, Customs Office, Ports Authority, MICS. | |
Protected Areas. Target 15.1 Indicator 15.1.2 | Work is progressing with communities to increase ownership of the monitoring and management process to improve continuity beyond funding and project cycles. Develop national planning and policies to help coordinate the efforts of implementing management plans and local ordinances to address biodiversity issues in RMI. | Yearly. Yearly. | Implementation of monitoring programs. Effective management of protected areas. Protected area effectively managed. | OEPPC, CMAC, R&D, EPA, MIMRA, Customs Office, Ports Authority, MICS. | |
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Carry out more research on PA. Secure funding to help address the lack of understanding and other issues, which affect RMI’s natural biodiversity. | Yearly. Yearly. | Research findings improving policies on PA. Funds accessed and utilized. | |
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3.5Theme Five: culture ANd heritAGe – sdG 4, 12.
NeMs Action Area | strategies | targets | Performance indicator | Key implementing Agencies and Partners | |
Conservation of Historical Sites. Target 4.7 Indicator 4.7.1 | Strengthened the Historical Preservation Act 1991. | 2018/2019. | Endorsed by cabinet and enforced. | HPO/Alele, MIVA, MOIA, MIMA, CMI. | |
Highly significant historical sites should be prioritized for immediate management planning and action. Strengthen School Education Awareness Programs on Traditional knowledge and Sites. | 2019/2020. Yearly. | Management plan endorsed with sites prioritized and managed. Mainstreamed in education systems and knowledge increased. | |
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Preserve Native Marshallese Language. Target 4.7 Indicator 4.7.1 | Establish Marshallese study department. Translation of national documents into local language. Revise and preserve Marshallese Dictionary. | 2020 – in progress. Yearly. | Marshallese study department established. Translation achieved on documents. Marshallese dictionary revised and used. | HPO/Alele, MIVA, MOIA, MIMA, CMI, Language Commission Office, Local Community, Public School System. | |
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Traditional Consumption and Production of Food and Medicine. Target 12.8 Indicator 12.8.1 | Public health campaign on healthy eating. | Yearly. | Reduction on NCD. Reduction of imported foods. | HPO/Alele, MIVA, MOIA, MIMA, CMI, PSS, MOH, Churches, Youth Groups. | |
Food cultural preservation. | Yearly. | Knowledge preserved and practiced. | R&D, MOIA, HPO/Alele, MIVA, Local Government, MOH. | |
3.6Theme six: Built EnvironmEnt – SDG 1,6,7,11,12
nEmS Action Area | Strategies | targets | Performance indicator | Key implementing Agencies and Partners | |
Energy: Access, Sustainability and Efficiency. Target 7.1; 7.2 Indicator 7.1.1; 7.2.1. | Review of Energy Policy. | 2017/ 2018. | Energy Policy Endorsed by Government. | MEC, MRD, OEPPC, Business Industries. | |
Increase renewable into main electricity grid. Increase accessibility of Government subsidy to landowners in outer islands. | 2018. 2017/ 2018. | Renewable Energy Input into grid. Volume of fuel imports. Number of Retrofits achieved yearly. Electricity Price Monitoring Board functioning. Subsidy to Landowners increased. | |
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NeMs Action Area | strategies | targets | Performance indicator | Key implementing Agencies and Partners | |
Collection recycling and waste separation of Municipal Solid Waste. Target 11.6 Indicator 11.6.1 | Preparation of new Majuro Landfill Site. Passing of the RMI Solid Waste Management Strategy. EPA working with respective Atoll Local Governments, Donor Agencies, MWC, Government Ministries, USP, and communities in Waste awareness and education programs. Training on waste management. | 2018. 2017/ 2018. Yearly. Yearly. | Site prepared. Solid waste management Strategy endorsed and implemented. Awareness program delivered and waste managed. Training delivered. | MAWC, EPA, OEPPC, MPW, PSS, Energy Office, CSO, MOH, Local Government. | |
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Composting and recycling programs organized for communities. Development of the container deposit system. | Yearly. 2018/ 2019. | Compost used in gardening and healthy farm produce. Legislation endorsed and enforced. | |
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Hazardous Waste: Hospital Waste, E-waste, White Goods, Asbestos, Batteries and Household Toxics. Target 11.6; 12.4 Indicator 11.6.1; 12.4.1; 12.4.2. | Stronger enforcement of littering. Tracking of hazardous waste streams in the country. Training on enforcement of Act. | Yearly. Yearly. | Notice served and reduction in littering. Tracking system in place e.g. Permits. Number of officers trained. | EPA, MAWC, Local Government, Waste (Joe Mar), AG, OEPPC, National Oil Taskforce, Chamber of Commerce, MOH, Disaster Office, CSO, R&D Energy, MEC, Kajut, Laura Farm. | |
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Training on hazardous waste handling and management. Identification of recycling markets abroad to receive recyclable materials stored at the dump. National chemical and waste oil management plan developed. Hospital waste management plan. | Yearly. 2017. 2018. | Number of officers trained. Markets identified and shipped. Plan endorsed and implemented. Management plan endorsed and implemented. | |
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Fresh Water Resources. Target 6.1; 6.a. Indicator 6.1.1; 6.a.1 | Improve maintenance/capacity services of RO units in the outer islands. | Yearly. | Maintenance delivered yearly. | EPA, MAWC, Local Government, Waste (Joe Mar), AG, OEPPC, National Oil Taskforce, Chamber of Commerce, MOH, Disaster Office, CSO, R&D Energy, MEC, Kajut, Laura Farm. | |
Replicate PACC project (solar stills, and liners at the Majuro reservoirs) as rain harvesting and catchment improvement, 186 solar stills, 35 Regular sampling and testing of the parameters, such as metals etc. | 2019/ 2020. | Project replicated. | |
Proactive interventions such as community education programs and hygiene programs e.g. WASH, are incorporated into national plans. Implementation of water policy and water safety plan, with particular attention to integrated rainwater harvesting, and improved management of the Laura lens. Enhancement of public water supply and sanitation in Ebeye. | Yearly. Yearly. Yearly – 2018. | Program delivered and incorporated in National Plans. Improved water system. Quantity and quality. Public Water supply and sanitation improved. | |
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Sewage and Sanitation. Target 14.1 Indicator 14.1.1 Aichi Target 8 | Replace the Majuro outfall pipe, which has deteriorated. | 2017/ 2018. | Outfall pipe replaced. | EPA, MAWC, Local Government, Waste (Joe Mar), AG, OEPPC, National Oil Taskforce, Chamber of Commerce, MOH, Disaster Office, CSO, R&D Energy, MEC, Kajut, Laura Farm. | |
Improve the sewer system in Ebeye. | | Sewer system improved. | |
3.7Theme SeveN: NucleAr leGAcy – sdG 1, 2, 10.
NeMs Action Area | strategies | targets | Performance indicator | Key implementing Agencies and Partners |
Provide compensation for better livelihoods. Target 1.1; 10.b Indicator 1.1.1; 10.b.1. | Relocate Bikinians, Kili ,Ejit to the United States. | Ongoing. | Avenues identified and work on compensation progressed. | Local Government; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Agriculture, OEPPC, AG/SG Office. |
Increase the nuclear compensation funds to KBE, Enewetak, Rongelap and Utrik to make their islands habitable once more. | Ongoing. | Compensation increased. |
Food security. Target 2.4 Indicator 2.4.1 | Use of potassium fertilizer to lower the Caesium-137 in the soil. | Ongoing. | Lowering of the Caesium-137 in soil. Raised soil fertility. |
Raised-bed gardens using uncontaminated soil, provide other ways of increasing the safety of crops grown. | Ongoing. | Healthy Crops production. |
4 HUMAN RESOURCES AND FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The OEPPC will plan for more human resources to contribute to the effective implementation of the RMI NEMS. The support of the wider network of partner agencies and stakeholders, whose portfolios overlap with the OEPPC, is vital.
The expansion of human and financial resources to meet the implementation needs of this strategy will be guided by the priorities of the government.
The OEPPC, in consultation with other agencies within government and in partnership with development partners and the private sector, will identify key areas where funding proposals can be made to donor partners and regional agencies. It will also guide donor and regional organisations’ contributions to support livelihoods, human health, the economy and sustainable development.
5IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND REVIEWING
SCHEDULE
The implementation of the RMI NEMS will take effect when it is approved by government. The NEMS will support the RMI SoE 2016.
Operational performance indicators are to be monitored and reviewed annually by the OEPPC and other lead agencies, based on the thematic areas. This will act as a tracking tool towards their performances in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, targets and indicators, Regional and Global MEAs, the SAMOA Pathway, and the Framework for Pacific Regionalism.