FAO Forestry country profiles - forest management

Managers

Governmental responsibilities for forestry in Kiribati are shared by the Agroforestry Section of the Ministry of Natural Resource Development and the Ministry of Environment and Social Development. Both government bodies are responsible for the reforestation, conservation and education programmes for trees and forests. The Ministry of Environment and Social Development focuses mainly on conservation and management activities. Most of the land and forests in the populous islands of Kiribati is owned by groups of extended families living in small, scattered villages. The main exceptions are the Line and Phoenix Islands (which constitute about two-thirds of the country¿s land area), which are owned by the state.

Public participation in forest management

Public participation in forest management is mainly in terms of forest ownership and through the input of village councils into land management decision-making. Traditional community structures in Kiribati ensure widespread public consultation. Otherwise, participation is on an ad hoc and voluntary basis. For example, the Government of Kiribati identified a need to strengthen its environmental laws to protect the delicate mangrove ecosystem. Several government agencies, institutions and organizations are working together to conserve and manage this resource.