Marshall Islands National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan: 2026–2030

The Marshall Islands National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2026–2030 establishes the national framework for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The strategy aims to guide national efforts to protect terrestrial and marine biodiversity, maintain ecosystem services, and integrate biodiversity considerations into national development planning. It contributes to the implementation of the country’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity and aligns national actions with the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The document outlines strategic objectives and priority actions to address pressures affecting biodiversity and to strengthen national biodiversity governance.
The NBSAP provides an overview of the biodiversity status of the Marshall Islands, describing key terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, lagoons, and island habitats. It identifies major drivers of biodiversity loss such as climate change impacts, coastal development, pollution, invasive species, and unsustainable resource use. The strategy sets out national biodiversity targets and identifies actions aimed at ecosystem conservation, restoration of degraded habitats, protection of threatened species, and sustainable management of natural resources.
The plan defines strategic areas of action including the conservation and management of ecosystems and species, strengthening of protected areas and community-based conservation initiatives, control and management of invasive species, and the integration of biodiversity considerations into sectors such as fisheries, coastal management, and land use planning. The document also identifies actions to enhance biodiversity monitoring, data collection, and information management, and to promote research and knowledge sharing related to biodiversity and ecosystem management.
The NBSAP further outlines institutional arrangements and implementation mechanisms, including the roles of government agencies, local communities, and stakeholders involved in biodiversity management. It provides guidance on coordination among relevant ministries and institutions, capacity-building measures, and public awareness initiatives. The strategy also addresses monitoring and reporting mechanisms, including indicators for tracking progress toward national biodiversity targets and mechanisms for reporting under international biodiversity commitments.