How does legal protection apply to coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass in Kiribati?

Kiribati law protects coral reefs, shoal ecosystems, mangroves and seagrass. Damaging activities generally require an environmental licence and may require an environmental impact assessment, an environmental and social management plan and monitoring.

What protected nature areas are formally recognised in Kiribati?

PIPA covers about 408,250 square kilometres, including eight Phoenix Islands and 14 seamounts, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010. Nooto-North Tarawa is a 1,033-hectare Ramsar site containing mangroves and intertidal mudflats, while Malden and Vostok have wildlife protection; Kiritimati has mixed protection.

How do customary marine tenure and community-based fisheries management affect nature use in Kiribati?

Customary marine tenure and community-based fisheries management can set seasonal closures, restricted areas, gear and catch limits, and community plans. MFOR reported community-based management in more than 60 communities across 11 islands, but the exact rules depend on the island and community.

What controls access to protected nature sites in Kiribati?

Access depends on the site's legal status, land or customary rules, protected-area restrictions, fisheries licences and current closures. PIPA management material requires a visitor permit and customs and immigration clearance through Kanton; current fees and processing times should be confirmed with the responsible office.

Nature in Kiribati

Q: Which bodies manage nature protection and resource use in Kiribati?

ECD and MELAD handle environmental protection, wildlife and recreational reserves, while MFOR handles fisheries and coastal resources. The PIPA Management Committee and Office, island councils and communities also manage protected sites, customary marine areas and local fisheries rules.

Kiribati's nature includes 33 atolls and Banaba, with coral reefs, lagoons, reef flats, seagrass, mangroves, mudflats, beaches, seabed and seamounts across the Gilbert, Phoenix and Line Islands. Marine ecosystems provide food, livelihoods and cultural value, while terrestrial resources are limited. Protection combines national law, protected areas, fisheries rules, customary marine tenure and community management. Access and permitted activities depend on site status, local rules, licences, closures and, for PIPA, a separate permit regime.

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Kiribati has an established national framework for nature protection, but responsibilities are shared between formal institutions, island councils, communities and customary systems. The Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) within the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development (MELAD) applies the Environment Act, the Wildlife Ordinance and the Recreational Reserves Act. The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) manages fisheries and coastal resources. The PIPA Management Committee and Office handle planning, permits, monitoring and coordination for the Phoenix Islands Protected Area. Island councils and communities apply customary marine tenure, local closures and community-based fisheries management. The Kiribati Tourism Authority promotes nature-based visits, while the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development supports wider policy and planning coordination.

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