The Republic of the Marshall Islands, a low-lying atoll nation in the North Pacific, faces significant environmental threats that endanger its ecosystems, communities and long-term development.

• Accelerated sea-level rise: With an average elevation of approximately two metres above sea level, RMI is on the front lines of climate change. Sea-level rise, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion into freshwater systems and more intense storms threaten agricultural productivity, food security, livelihoods and infrastructure.

• Biodiversity loss: RMI's marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, lagoons and open-ocean habitats, are essential for livelihoods and food security. Major threats include coral bleaching, overfishing and pollution.

• Waste management: Rapid urbanization in the capital and other atolls, combined with limited land available for waste disposal, creates significant challenges, particularly in managing plastic and hazardous waste. These pressures threaten marine ecosystems.

• Energy dependence: RMI relies heavily on imported fuels, particularly diesel for electricity generation. Solar energy offers significant potential to reduce emissions and strengthen energy security.

The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program (GEF SGP) can support the Republic of the Marshall Islands in advancing its commitments under international environmental conventions and addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, land degradation and plastic pollution through community-led initiatives.

• Biodiversity conservation: Support community-based marine conservation, the management of locally managed marine areas (LMMAs), and the protection of coral reefs and marine biodiversity.

• Climate change mitigation and adaptation: Promote decentralized renewable energy solutions, including solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with battery storage, on outer islands; coastal protection through nature-based solutions, including mangrove restoration and reef conservation; and climate-resilient agriculture.

• Sustainable land management: Support sustainable land management on atolls, including soil conservation, freshwater source protection, agroforestry and the promotion of climate-resilient crop varieties.

• Chemicals and waste management: Promote the sound management of chemicals and waste, including the safe disposal of hazardous waste and the reduction of plastic pollution in marine environments.

• Community management of threatened ecosystems and species: Support communities in the sustainable management of LMMAs, coral reef restoration and marine biodiversity conservation.

• Sustainable agriculture and food security: Promote climate-resilient agriculture, traditional and Indigenous food crops, including pandanus, breadfruit and taro, and home gardening to enhance food security and nutrition on outer islands.

• Access to low-impact energy and co-benefits: Support community-scale solar energy projects for schools, health centres and community facilities, reducing dependence on diesel and lowering energy costs.

• Local-to-global coalitions for chemicals and waste management: Work with communities to reduce plastic pollution, improve waste management practices and protect marine ecosystems.

• Sustainable urban solutions: Support sustainable coastal management, green infrastructure and local food systems in urban centres such as Majuro and Ebeye.