National Adaptation Plan of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

The vision of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) is to plan and be prepared for unforeseen and unexpected future events, underlining that the climate crisis is the greatest unforeseen circumstance. The timeframe of this NAP is 10 years. It sets conditions for future adaptation, identifies immediate community needs, and enhances evidence-based analysis to define and prepare for longer-term, resource-intensive adaptive actions in the 10-50+ year horizon. The NAP will be integrated within the National Strategic Plan (NSP) as the primary plan for climate change adaptation and resilience. The NAP addresses the climate change objectives outlined in the NSP as well as complements other policy documents and sectoral plans. The NAP has three overarching goals: (1) building adaptive resilience across human and ecological systems; (2) strengthening the enabling environment for short-, medium-, and long-term adaptation activities, and (3) adopting a self-determined approach that honors the country’s heritage and benefits future generations.
The sectoral and community-level resilience will be increased. Six key sectors referred to in the NAP are education, health, infrastructure, fisheries, natural resources and commerce, and internal sectors. Climate change will be incorporated in infrastructure projects, and infrastructure work and maintenance that align with climate adaptation policies will be prioritized. A Build Back Better Best Practice Guideline will be established for rebuilding infrastructure to be more resilient if damaged during disasters. A post-disaster recovery policy will be implemented, including financing for quick re-establishment of priority health services. Climate resilience of existing health and education infrastructure will be inspected. Education programs on health and climate change will be developed to increase both awareness and resilience. Healthy homes program will be carried out, with an emphasis on sanitation, waste disposal, water collection and storage, and resilience to extreme temperature. Local knowledge of climate patterns and strategies will be developed to secure food and water sources. Efforts will be given to enhance local food growing and healthy living habits. A climate change adaptation plan will be developed for the fisheries sector. The fisheries sector in the economy and the economic and social consequences of climate change on the sector will be assessed and monitored. The changes in the tuna stock and coastal fish and invertebrates’ stock will be monitored and mapped. Fish Aggregating Device program will be expanded to improve fishing for local communities. The existing Reimaanlok community-based management program and the trials to expand existing mariculture will be maintained. Measures will be taken to preserve traditional knowledge on fisheries and agriculture. Agricultural production will be made in a more sustainable and resilient manner. Technical support programs for drought and temperature/sea spray resilient crops and a direct planting program for these species will be launched. Awareness raising campaign on climate-smart agriculture will be expanded by including education on future impacts to crops and climate-resilient crop practices. Surveys will be undertaken on coastal forests, their conditions, and the level of existing protection. Specific locations will be investigated where nature- based solutions, such as coastal forests to enhance resilience to rising sea levels.
NAP activities will build and sustain an ‘All-Of-Government’ commitment and ‘All-Of-Society’ involvement in national adaptation and resilience in the short, medium, and long terms. The NAP advocates for inclusivity and fairness in all national decision-making as regards climate adaptation. It also addresses cross-cutting themes, such as: gender equity. Community resilience will be increased across urban, semi-urban, and rural atolls. Capacity building for local communities in climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction and sustainable practices will be supported. Programs will be developed to support sustainable and diversified livelihoods in the communities (e.g., tree planting, community gardens, marine protected areas, aquaculture, handicraft, etc.). Disaster risk and resilience policies will be developed at the local level.