Kiribati Integrated Environment Policy.

The Integrated Environment Policy is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The overall goals of the Policy are to ensure a safe and healthy environment and support livelihoods, human health, and sustainable development by addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation and management, waste management and pollution control, resource management, and environmental governance.
The sustainable use and development of land, water, coastal and mineral resources will be promoted. Water resources management will be developed with a special emphasis on the protection of limited and vulnerable water resources. Land use planning will be improved for sustainable use of land resources. Moreover agricultural production will be increased in an environmentally sustainable manner through soil conservation practices. In order to ensure effective conservation, management and sustainable use of terrestrial and marine biodiversity, national capacity and institutional frameworks will be strengthened. Public awareness will be raised at all levels of society through dissemination of information on conservation, sustainable use and management of island biodiversity.
Waste management and pollution prevention will be strengthened through capacity building to minimize waste generation and promote best waste management and pollution prevention practices. Financially responsible and environmentally sound waste management planning will be developed by mainstreaming chemical and waste management into national development programmes.
Climate change adaptation and mitigation will be enhanced for effective prevention, mitigation and response to climate change with a particular focus on environmental protection and management. The resilience of the environment will be increased by undertaking coherent climate change programs with a cross-sectoral approach. The awareness on climate change and risks will be raised at the national level through improved knowledge and information. Concrete and practical adaptation measures will be implemented to ensure protection and sustainability of environmental services. Climate change mitigation and environment sustainability will be integrated through long-term planning and preparations to respond to the impacts of global climate change. Furthermore coastal zone management will be improved to combat the degradation and erosion of all islands’ foreshores and coastal areas.
The Environment and Conservation Division of Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agriculture Development shall be responsible of for the implementation of the Integrated Environment Policy. In order to address environmental problems and issues in a holistic manner, the capacities and engagement of stakeholders will be strengthened for effective environmental management and sustainable development at the individual, institutional and systemic levels. Effective environmental governance will be ensured through effective monitoring, data management and reporting processes. Therefore an Environment Advisory Committee will be established by the Environment and Conservation Division to provide advice, consultation and coordination for the implementation, monitoring and review of the policy and its strategic plan at national level.