Kiribati Joint Implementation Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management 2019-2028.

The Kiribati Joint Implementation Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management is a national policy covering the period of 10 years between 2019 and 2028. The goal of this policy is to increase resilience through sustainable climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction using a whole-of-country approach. This policy is an integrated plan that prioritizes 104 climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction actions.
The legal and policy frameworks will be strengthened to provide an enabling environment to enforce climate and disaster risk reduction. The capacities of NGOs will be enhanced for community engagement and inclusion in planning processes, such as community-based fisheries management. An integrated and up-to-date national database will be established to provide all relevant information for resilient development which is available and accessible for all. Data collection, assessment, analysis, interpretation, monitoring and reporting will be improved across sectors and at all levels. The private sector, including small and medium- sized enterprises, will be strengthened and investments by businesses will be increased.
Gender equity and equality will be ensured by supporting women in value-adding marine and agricultural products for the domestic and export niche markets and enabling women and men to benefit equally. Climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction measures will be implemented by the island communities as an integral part of their development efforts and inclusive of vulnerable groups.
Food security will be ensured by identifying and promoting salt-, drought-, rain- and heat-resilient crops, fruit, vegetables and livestock breeds; preserving local food, such as fruit trees and seafood, by the communities; strengthening the capability of communities to take practical and sustainable measures to address food and nutrition security; and improving food preservation and storage techniques to avoid food shortages and increase food availability through use of both modern and traditional skills and knowledge. Coastal fisheries will be managed by the communities taking into consideration sustainability of marine resources as well as climate change and disaster risks. The institutional and technical capacities of various key sectors will be strengthened for a coordinated whole-of-government approach to improve local food production and address issues with imported food commodities. Communities’ engagement in safeguarding water sources and improving water systems will be strengthened through effective management. Water reserves will be protected, and the communities' access to sufficient and adequate fresh water will be provided at all times, especially during extreme events such as drought, heavy rain and storm surges.
Land and marine planning and management for all islands that provide clear regulations on land development with competent planning authorities will be strengthened to implement and enforce land and marine use regulatory frameworks and water regulations. This policy puts emphasis on the protection of the cultural heritage and the rights of Kiribati over its existing EEZ and the resources within it. Coastal resilience will be increased through strategic coastal protection initiatives and strengthened coastal zone management.
Disaster risk preparedness, response and recovery will be strengthened through innovative technology across all sectors including, importantly, at the island and the community levels to reduce loss of life, injuries, damage to infrastructure and properties. The engagement and partnerships of communities and members of vulnerable groups in climate change and disaster risk management initiatives will be increased and their needs will be addressed.
Energy conservation and efficiency will be increased on both the supply and demand sides and the transition towards renewable energy sources will be promoted.