DOCSLIB.ORG

Terminal Evaluation: Undp Gef Project (Id 2568) Renewable Energies (Admire)” 12 May 2016

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Terminal Evaluation: Undp Gef Project (Id 2568) Renewable Energies (Admire)” 12 May 2016 TERMINAL EVALUATION: UNDP GEF PROJECT (ID 2568) “ACTION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MARSHALL ISLANDS RENEWABLE ENERGIES (ADMIRE)” 12 MAY 2016 AMITAV RATH i Acknowledgements I am grateful to many people for their cooperation and assistance during the conduct of this evaluation and wish to thank them for providing time for meetings, interviews and for answering many questions in person and by email and phone. Special thanks are due to all the persons (listed in the third annex) who provided time and valuable insights and information and contributed to this evaluation. Special thanks are due to the staff of the Ministry of Resources and Development, Republic of the Marshall Islands for their support during the evaluation mission and to the staff of UNDP in Fiji and Bangkok, who provided many documents, shared their insights and provided full assistance. Individual mention and acknowledgement are due to ‐ Walter Myazoe at MRD, who provided a very wide set of documents on the many different energy related cooperation activities in RMI, without which my understanding of the situation would have been very inadequate; Dolores deBrum Kattil, the Project Manager who provided me with the considerable documentation on the project and made all arrangements for the meetings in RMI; Ned Lobwij at MRD who stepped in to make many interviews and meetings actually happen, as Annex 3. Special acknowledgements are due to Emma Mario, the Environment Programme Analyst at the UNDP Fiji MCO for discussions and additional documents; Thomas Jensen, Energy Programme Specialist at the UNDP Pacific Centre, Fiji, for extensive comments to the first draft; and to Manuel L. Soriano, Regional Technical Advisor, Energy & Climate Change at the UNDP Bangkok Regional Centre Bangkok for his views. The views expressed in this final report are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of UNDP, the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands or the project stakeholders, who were consulted in the preparation of this report, except as directly quoted or referenced. Earlier drafts have been shared MRD staff at RMI and with the UNDP staff and revised according to comments received. This report, or portions thereof, may not be reproduced without explicit written reference to the source. Amitav Rath ii Contents Table of Contents Acronyms and abbreviations .................................................................................................. iv EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................... viii 1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Evaluation objectives .............................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Subject and scope of the evaluation ....................................................................................... 1 1.3 Key Issues for Special Consideration ....................................................................................... 2 1.4 Approach and methodology .................................................................................................... 2 1.5 Timeline ................................................................................................................................. 3 1.6 Limitations of the evaluation .................................................................................................. 3 1.7 Structure of the report ............................................................................................................ 4 2. PROJECT BACKGROUND .................................................................................................... 5 2.1 The RMI Context ..................................................................................................................... 5 2.2 Background to ADMIRE ........................................................................................................... 6 2.3 Project goals and context ........................................................................................................ 7 3. FINDINGS .......................................................................................................................... 9 3.1 Milestones in Project Design and Implementation .................................................................. 9 3.2 PROJECT FORMULATION ......................................................................................................... 9 3.2 RISK ANALYSIS/ASSUMPTIONS ............................................................................................. 12 3.3 Implementation Arrangements ............................................................................................. 13 3.4 Stakeholder analysis: ............................................................................................................ 13 3.5 Strengths and Weaknesses of the Project Design .................................................................. 15 3.6 Rating of Project Design ........................................................................................................ 16 3.7 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION ................................................................................................. 18 3.7.1 The Medium Term Evaluation (MTE) and Report (MTR)........................................................ 19 3.7.2 Implementation after the MTR: 2012‐2015 ........................................................................... 20 3.7.3 Project Expenditures: 2012 – 2016 ........................................................................................ 21 3.7.3 Project Outputs 2012 – 2016 .............................................................................................. 22 3.8 SOME KEY ADMIRE OUTPUTS & OUTCOMES ......................................................................... 28 3.8.1 ADMIRE SUPPORT FOR OUTER ISLAND ELECTRIFICATION ..................................................... 29 3.8.2 Wind Resources ...................................................................................................................... 31 3.8.3 Copra and biodiesel ................................................................................................................ 32 3.8.4 Other Partners and Related Activities .................................................................................... 34 3.9 Energy and RMI 2008 ‐ 2012 .................................................................................................. 34 iii 4 ASSESSMENTS ................................................................................................................. 35 4.1 RELEVANCE ........................................................................................................................... 36 4.2 EFFECTIVENESS ..................................................................................................................... 36 4.3 EFFICIENCY ........................................................................................................................... 37 4.4 SUSTAINABILITY .................................................................................................................... 38 4.5 MAINSTREAMING ................................................................................................................. 38 4.6 GENDER ................................................................................................................................ 38 4.7 EVALUATION RATINGS .......................................................................................................... 39 5. CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................ 40 6. LESSONS ......................................................................................................................... 41 7. RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................................................... 41 ANNEX 1: TERMS OF REFERENCE ........................................................................................... 44 ANNEX 2: LIST OF DOCUMENTS REVIEWED ............................................................................ 52 ANNEX 3: MEETINGS ARRANGED AND PERSONS INTERVIEWED ............................................ 56 ANNEX 4: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: RMI and ADMIRE ..................................................... 57 List of tables: TABLE 1: PROJECT IDENTIFICATION DETAILS .......................................................................................................... VI TABLE 2: EVALUATION TIMELINE .......................................................................................................................... 3 TABLE3: MILESTONES AND KEY DATES IN PROJECT DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION ........................................................ 9 TABLE 4: ADMIRE SRF/LFA AS APPROVED & AS REVISED .............................................................................. 10 TABLE 5: SUMMARY LIST OF STAKEHOLDERS AND KEY ROLES IN THE ADMIRE .......................................................... 14 TABLE 6: SUMMARY RATINGS OF PROJECT DESIGN ............................................................................................... 16 TABLE 7: EXPENDITURES IN ADMIRE 2008‐2011 ..............................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Jabat Survey
    REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE Archaeological and Anthropological Survey of Jabat Island Richard V. Williamson and Donna K. Stone HPO Report 2001/06 © Republic of the Marshall Islands Historic Preservation Office Majuro Atoll, 2001 © 2001, Republic of the Marshall Islands Historic Preservation Office. All rights reserved. The contents of this study are copyright in all countries subscribing to the Berne Convention. No parts of this report may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Historic Preservation Office, except where permitted by law. The research and this publication have been financed entirely with Federal funds from the Historic Preservation Fund grant program in partnership with the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, United States of America. However, the contents and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the National Park Service, the Department of the Interior, or the Government of the United States of America, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation by the National Park Service, the Department of the Interior, Government of the United States of America, or the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. This program received Federal financial assistance for identification and protection of historic properties. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Feasibility Study GREEN CLIMATE FUND FUNDING PROPOSAL I
    Annex II – Feasibility Study GREEN CLIMATE FUND FUNDING PROPOSAL I FEASIBILITY STUDY Addressing Climate Vulnerability In the Water Sector (ACWA) United Nations Development Programme UNDP On behalf of Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands RMI March 2018 For Submission to the Green Climate Fund EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is a small island developing states (SIDS) consisting of 29 coral atolls and 5 single islands. The nation is a large-ocean state, with approximately 1,225 islands and islets with a total land area of only 182 km2, spread across over 2 million km2 of vast ocean space. Most of the 24 inhabited local government jurisdictions (atolls and islands) are remote and lie merely 2 meters above sea level on average, posing various challenges and risks to sustainable development in face of climate change. RMI’s population in 2017 is estimated as 55,5621, most of which is concentrated in urban atolls of Majuro and Kwajalein (Ebeye)2. Context Climate Change: It is predicted, that RMI will face increasing sea level rise, increasing rainfall variability with potential for extended drought periods and increasing storm surges with climate change3, further aggravating RMI’s vulnerability and more specifically sustainable water supply. These climate change impacts are likely to exacerbate the risks of water shortages in RMI, by further challenging the ability of the Marshallese people to have access to safe freshwater resources year-round. Droughts and storm waves are some of the key climate based events that impact RMI. Climate projections show that in the next twenty-five years, rainfall and drought scenarios in RMI will continue and may increase in the short term4.
    [Show full text]
  • Ground-Water Resources of the Laura Area, Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands
    GROUND-WATER RESOURCES OF THE LAURA AREA, MAJURO ATOLL, MARSHALL ISLANDS By Scott N. Hamlin and Stephen S. Anthony U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Water-Resources Investigations Report 87-4047 Prepared in cooperation with the REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS Honolulu, Hawaii 1987 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR DONALD PAUL HODEL, Secretary GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Dallas L. Peck, Director For additional information Copies of this report write to: can be purchased from: District Chief, Hawaii District U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Geological Survey, WRD Books and Open-File Reports Section 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Rm. 6110 Federal Center, Bldg. 41 Honolulu, Hawai 96850 Box 25425 Denver, Colorado 80225 CONTENTS Page Abstract ------------------------------------------------------------ 1 Introduction -------------------------------------------------------- 2 Purpose and scope ---------------------------------------------- 5 Setting -------------------------------------------------------- 5 Previous investigations ---------------------------------------- 6 Acknowledgments ------------------------------------------------ 8 Methods of study ---------------------------------------------------- 8 Surface geophysical survey ------------------------------------- 8 Installation of driven-well network ---------------------------- 8 Test holes and collection of lithologic samples ---------------- 11 Collection of water samples ------------------------------------ 11 Measurements of water levels ----------------------------------- 13 Geohydrologic framework ---------------------------------------------
    [Show full text]
  • KW 15, 1955 Northern Marshall Islands Lkpedition, 1951-1952
    ATOLL RLSZiRCkI BULLSTIN Northern Marshall Islands Expedition, 1951-1952. Land biota: Vascular plants. by F, R. F'osberg Issued by THE PACIFIC SCILiVCE BOliHD National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council :lashington, D. C. KW 15, 1955 Northern Marshall Islands lkpedition, 1951-1952. Land biota: Vascular plants .ly2 by F. 8. Fosberg 3 1/ Publication authorized by the Di.rector, U. S. Geological Survey Preli!ninary results of the lkpedition to the Northern Elarshall Islands, 1951-1352, 110.2. Botanist, U. S, Geological Survey . Northern Narshall Islands Zxpedition; 1951-1952. Land biota: Vascular plants. by F. 3. Fosberg , . Following the nhrrative of the expedi-tion to the northern Karshalls made in 1951 and 1952, it seems north whi1.e to present the raw dsta collected in a series of: prel3minary papers, to make them available for general use and reference xitilout waiting urlbil tLey are cc:npletely studied and interpreted. Formal pubiicri.tion of a more parmanent charactsr is planned as detailed .studies are co;u$eted. This paper presents distribu- tional and ecological records, as aell as r~iitiverimes, of the vascular plants coliected on the expedition.. TQ these have beer1 added recorus from the author% 1946 and. 1950 coLlections, a few Wake &lad collections made in 1953, a~cja few miscell.acileo;ls collections by others. Other signi- ficant collections fromthe nort,%ern Marsilr:lis, not included here, are those of NU. Randolph Taylor, pubiished by hiin iri his MI'lants of Bikini," ttiose , made by Adelbert de . Ct~aniissowkii,.e on the Zotzebue ikpeditionJ and those made on several [email protected] .
    [Show full text]
  • Cretaceous and Paleogene Manganese-Encrusted Hardgrounds from Central Pacific Guyots
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Department Papers in the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences of 1995 Cretaceous and Paleogene Manganese-Encrusted Hardgrounds from Central Pacific Guyots David K. Watkins University of Nebraska-Lincoln, [email protected] Isabella Premoli Silva Università degli Studi di Milano Elisabetta Erba Università degli Studi di Milano, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/geosciencefacpub Part of the Earth Sciences Commons Watkins, David K.; Silva, Isabella Premoli; and Erba, Elisabetta, "Cretaceous and Paleogene Manganese- Encrusted Hardgrounds from Central Pacific Guyots" (1995). Papers in the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. 221. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/geosciencefacpub/221 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Papers in the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Haggerty, J.A., Premoli Silva, I., Rack, F., and McNutt, M.K. (Eds.), 1995 Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, Scientific Results, Vol. 144 5. CRETACEOUS AND PALEOGENE MANGANESE-ENCRUSTED HARDGROUNDS FROM CENTRAL PACIFIC GUYOTS1 David K. Watkins,2 Isabella Premoli Silva,3 and Elisabetta Erba3 ABSTRACT Manganese-encrusted hardgrounds and associated sediments from four guyots in the western Pacific Ocean were investigated using lithostratigraphic and biostratigraphic examination of thin sections. Biostratigraphic data from manganese-encrusted hard- grounds constrain the age of platform drowning to early middle Eocene for Limalok Guyot, latest Maastrichtian to early Paleocene for Wodejebato Guyot, and middle late Albian for MIT Guyot.
    [Show full text]
  • Atoll Research Bulletin No. 342 Notes on the Birds Of
    ATOLL RESEARCH BULLETIN NO. 342 NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF KWAJALEIN ATOLL, MARSHALL ISLANDS BY R. B. CLAPP ISSUED BY NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A. SEPTEMBER 1990 I Taongi 0 Bikar 3 iniwetok Ebon 0 I U Figure 1. Locati-on of Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF KWAJALEIN ATOLL, MARSHALL ISLANDS BY R. B. CLAPP Introduc t ion Kwajalein is a crescent-shaped atoll that lies between 09'25' and 08'40'~ and between 166°50' and 167O45'~,near the center of the western (Ralik) chain of the Marshall Islands (Figure 1). Composed of more than 90 islets, largely uninhabited, Kwajalein Atoll extends about 75 miles from southeast to northwest. It has a land area of about 6 square miles (3,854 acres) (Global Associates 1987), an increase of about 263 acres over the original area that was brought about by filling of land on Kwajalein, Roi-Namur, and Meck Islands. As of June 1987, the populatj on of the atoll was about 12,200 and composed of about 9,560 Marshallese and 2,639 non-indigenous persons affiliated with the U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA) facility. The three islands of Ebeye (8,600; mostly Marshallese), Kwajalein (2,390) and Roi-Namur (249) hold over 90% of the population (Global Associates 1987). During March 1988, I made ornithological observations on ten islands (Fi-gure 2). Part of a survey requested by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, the observations helped determine the terrestrial wild1ife resources of the atoll as base1 ine data for an environmental impact statement.
    [Show full text]
  • Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI)
    Republic of the Marshall Islands Introduction Chain Islands and Atolls Population The increasing presence of plastic marine debris in the Ralik Ailinglaplap Atoll 1,729 South Pacific Ocean is focusing attention on strengthening Ebon Atoll 706 recycling policies and systems in the region. Unique challenges associated with shipping commodities of low Enewetak 664 value over long distances to recycling markets, however, Jabat Island 84 reduce the economic viability to do so. This country profile includes the current technologies, material flow, Jaluit Atoll 1,788 logistics, public policies, institutional framework, financial Kili 548 mechanisms, and initiatives that are being designed or have Kwajalein Atoll 11,408 been implemented to strengthen recycling systems in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). Lae Atoll 347 Lib Island 155 With a land area of 1,812km2 and a combined coastline measuring 370km, RMI is located in the central Pacific Likiep Atoll 401 Ocean in the Micronesia region. RMI consists of 29 atolls Namdrik Atoll 508 and 5 islands that are divided into the Ratak (Sunrise) Island Namu Atoll 780 Chain and Ralik (Sunset) Island Chain. Rongelap Atoll 79 RMI is one of four coral atoll nations in the world, and it has a landscape with saltwater lagoons, surrounded by white Ujae Atoll 364 beaches and small lush islands. The capital city, Majuro, is Wotho Atoll 97 situated on Majuro Atoll, the country’s most developed and Ratak Ailuk Toll 339 urban atoll. There is evidence that Majuro has the highest per capita waste generation in the Pacific. Arno Atoll 1,794 Aur Atoll 499 Socioeconomic background Majuro Atoll (Capital) 27,797 Ecotourism activities, such as scuba diving and canoeing, Maloelap Atoll 682 are significant attractions.
    [Show full text]
  • Radiological Survey Plan for the Northern Marshall Islands
    RADIOLOGICAL SL~VEY PUN FOR THE NORTHER22NJJUXALL IS-LANDS FUDIOLOGICAL SURVEY PIAN FOR THE NORTHERN MARSHALL ISLANDS PART TITLE TAB I PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES 1 II HISTORICAL INFORMATION 2 III SCOPE OF SURVEY 3 A. THE 13 ATOLLS B. ORGANIZATION c. TERRESTRIAL PROGRAM D. MARINE PROGMM E. AERIAL PHOTO AiYDRADIOLOGICAL SURVEY F. SURVEY SCHEDULE A!NDSERIES MAPS IV MILESTONE CHART 4 v AGENCY ASSIGhNENTS 5 DRAFT ME?!OwND~~ OF AGRE~:ENT BETWEEN DEPTS OF THE NAVi, ENERGY, AND INTERIOR VI PUBLIC INFORWTION 6 VII FUNDING 7 . APPENDIX 1 8 FALLOUT FROM PACIFIC TESTS FALLOUT PATTERN-BRAvO EVENT 1954 TAB 1 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES ‘———r m -1— - R/lDrO!.OCIC,f.L SL’R[’EYPUN FOR THE t:ol{i}[ip:::;,RSIL:LLISIJC{DS PURPOSE THE PURPOSE OF THE NORTHERS YX?SHALL ISLASDS SUR?EY PROGWXI 1: TO PROI’IDE A DOCWIEXTAT1OS OF THE R~21:;I:~GRADIOACiII’IH FROX NUCLEAR T] TING ASD TO PROVIDE SLTPORT DATA FOR .x: ASSESWEST OF I%E MDI.ITION DO: TO PEOPLE BEFORE THE TEFC’:IXATIOSOF THE LTITE2 XATIOXS TRUST AGR1 ?IEXT. OBJECTIVES THE OBJECTItTS OF THE PRC)GFW:ARE: 1. TO OBTAIN AERIAL ?.~DIOLOGIC.i L }L!?S OF il!EXORTHEN: :.’NRSHAI ATOLLS, AND ISW(DS , A study has identified 11 atolls and 2 islands as those most likely to have received fallout from o or more nuclear tests conduc~ea at Bikini and Ene during the L.S. Pacific testing program. 2. TO SA~lPLEND ?IE.4SURETHE lUDIOACTIVI~ IS SOIL, WATER, PL :T LIFE AND FOOD, ADJACEST YLARIXEh’ATIRS,AXD MARIXE MD TEFLRESTRL .
    [Show full text]
  • Marshall Islands Chronology: 1944-1981
    b , KARSHALL ISLANDS CHRONOLOGY - ERRATUM SHEET Page 12. column 1 and 2. “1955 - March 9 United Xations. .‘I and “May Enewetak . .” This should read. L956 - IMarch 9 United Nations..,“and IMay Enewetak .--*‘ Marshal ACHRONOLOGY: 1944-1981 LISRARY - ~ASHINCTGN, D.C. 2054-5 MICRONESIA SUPPORT COMlITTEE Honolulu, Hawalt F- ‘ifm ti R.EAD TICS ~RO?OLOGY: Weapons Testim--even numbered left hand pages 4-34; destruction of island home- Lands and radioactive wntamination of people, land and food sources. Resettlement of People--odd numbered right hand pages 5-39; the struggle to survive in exile. There is some necessary overlap for clarity; a list of sources used concludes the Chronology on pages 36 and 38. BIKINI ATOLL IN 1946, PRIOR TO THE START OF THE NUCLEAR TESTS. 1st edition publishe'dJuly 1978 2nd edition published August 1981 “?aRTlEGooDoFM ANKlND..~ Marshall Islands people have borne the brunt of U.S. military activity in Micronesia, from nuclear weapons experiments and missile testing to relocations of people and radio- active contamination of people and their environment. All, as an American military com- mder said of the Bikini teats, “for the good of mankind and to end all world wars.” Of eleven United Nations Trusteeships created after World War II, only Micronesia was designated a “strategic” trust, reflecting its military importance to the United States. Ihe U.N. agreement haa allowed the U.S. to use the islands for military purposes, while binding the U.S. to advance the well being of the people of Micronesia. Western nuclear powers have looked on the Pacific, because of its small isolated popu- lations, aa an “ideal” location to conduct nuclear activities unwanted In their own countries.
    [Show full text]
  • After the Flood
    After the Flood Reflections on the Sociality of Saltwater Inundation on an Anthropogenic Atoll Are Erik Brandvik Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of M.A. in Social Anthropology at the University of Bergen. MAY 2016 Table of Contents LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS .......................................................................................................... V ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .......................................................................................................... VII PROLOGUE ................................................................................................................................ IX INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... XVII SUMMARY OF CHAPTERS .................................................................................................... XVII A BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE CONDUCTED FIELDWORK ............................................................XIX I: ANTHROPOLOGICAL THEORY AND OTHER WORKS OF SIGNIFICANCE .............................. 23 ADDRESSING THE WORLD ..................................................................................................... 24 A DISCURSIVE APPROACH TO CLIMATE CHANGE .................................................................. 29 ECOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY AND OTHER INFLUENCES ...................................................... 32 A BRICOLEUR’S APPROACH TO HARAWAY ..........................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Marshall Islands Fifth National Report Convention on Biological Diversity
    Republic of the Marshall Islands Fifth National Report Convention on Biological Diversity Office of Environmental Planning Policy Coordination Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands February 2017 1 Executive Summary This 5th National Report for the Republic of the Marshall Islands provides an update on the biodiversity status and trends, as well as progress towards the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 including the Aichi Biodiversity Target 2020. The report is divided into three main parts with part one focusing on the importance of biodiversity to the people, the state and threats to biodiversity and the implications of changes to biodiversity; part two focuses on the actions and implementation of the national biodiversity strategy and action plan; and part three focuses on alignment of national targets to the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. This report is the end product of a consultative process undertaken through the development of the national blueprint for conservation areas plan and the 2016 State of Environment report for RMI. The value of biodiversity to the wellbeing of Marshallese remains critical and it continues to inspire communities and the government to actively pursue actions and policies in order to safeguard it for future generations. Biodiversity is the cornerstone for economic opportunities and development of the country. It strengthens cultural ties of the current population to their fore-parents and through this connection provides the knowledge for community to instill good practices for the conservation of resources. Some major key drivers continue to cause significant impacts to RMI’s biodiversity and environment. Old challenges such as the fallout from nuclear testing and bombing of atolls combined with climate change and associated extreme weather events (severe and increasingly frequent typhoon events and drought) are seriously challenging the viability of communities in many of the atolls in RMI.
    [Show full text]
  • Atoll Research Bulletin No. 330 a Review of The
    ATOLL RESEARCH BULLETIN NO. 330 A REVIEW OF THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS BY F. RAYMOND FOSBERG ISSUED BY NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A. January 1990 A REVIEW OF THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS F. RAYMOND FOSBERG This review was prepared on very short notice, to provide a summary of what is known to the reviewer at the time, June 1988, about the natural phenomena of the Marshall Islands. This was for the use of the members of the survay team sent to the Marshalls by the Environmentand Policy Institute of the East-West Center, Honolulu. Their mission was to investigate the remaining relatively natural areas and the extent of biodiversity in the new Republic of the Marshall Islands. The Marshall Archipelago has been the habitat of Aboriginal man for many hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of years. Hence there is very little, if any, undisturbed land remaining. Since the coming of the Europeans, in the 19th Century, and especially in the years 1940 to the present, the disturbance and change have been greatly intensified. On four of the Atolls, namely, Eniwetok, Bikini, Kwajalein, and Majuro, the alteration has been catastrophic. Change is so rapid that even a superficial account of what was observed during the early and mid 1950's seems worth placing on permanent record. This account is definitely not the results of a systematic literature search, but merely what is stores in the reviewer's head and in his notebooks, with such additions as are acknowkedged in the text.
    [Show full text]