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Home , Banaba, Economy of Kiribati, Ieremia Tabai, Malden Island

1 SOPAC country profile, KI OurOur VisionVision The improved health, well being and safety of the Pacific and its peoples

The South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) is an independent, intergovernmental, regional organisation established by South Pacific nations in 1972, and dedicated to providing geotechnical services to the countries it serves. Its Secretariat is located in Suva, , and has about 40 professional and support staff.

SOPAC’s work for its member countries focusses on three key areas; resource development; environmental geoscience; and national capacity development in the geosciences. To effectively deliver these services SOPAC maintains a regional data centre, provides information services, and offers technical and field services for specific project work.

THIS COUNTRY PROFILE WAS PRODUCED TO PROVIDE A SNAPSHOT OF THE CURRENT ISSUES FACED BY THE

COUNTRY AND SOPAC’S ROLE IN ASSISTING COUNTRIES TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

2 SOPAC country profile, KI : Our Future

“...the object of the exercise of ‘sustainable development’ is to survive on the for ever... Sustainability is the idea that we can survive from day to day, and...ever after!”

Hon. , GCMG President (1988)

Capital: Population: 88 600 (1999 est.) Land Area: 811 sq. km Max. Height above Sea-level: 87 m () Geography: Consists of 33 islands (20 inhabited); islands are low-lying atolls with the exception of Banaba; the 3 main island groups are the Gilberts, Phoenix and plus Banaba EEZ: 3.6 million sq. km Climate: Tropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by tradewinds Rainfall: Varies considerably from group to group; 1 000 (southern group) to 3 000 mm (northern group) per annum Mean Temperature: 29°C Economy: Dependent on fishing, subsistence, agriculture, and ; exports include fish and copra GDP per Capita: US$ 702 (1998 est.) Currency: AUD$ Energy Sources: Biomass, solar, wind Freshwater Sources: Groundwater, rainwater, surface water Natural Hazards: Coastal flooding, drought, tsunami, storm surge, cyclone, earthquake and landslide Mineral Potential: On-land – , gypsum; Offshore – Manganese nodules and cobalt-rich manganese crusts Languages: English (official), Gilbertese Government: Independent republic and member of Commonwealth SOPAC Membership: Full member since 1979 Country Representative: Secretary Ministry of Natural Resources Development PO Box 64. . Tarawa Tel: (686) 21 099. Fax: (686) 21 120 The Republic of Kiribati has been a full Kiribati member of the South Pacific Applied

The Republic of Kiribati comprises 33 Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) since low-lying atolls (except 1979. SOPAC is an independent, Banaba), which are divided into three intergovernmental, regional main island groups; the Gilbert group, organisation, which provides expert the Phoenix group and the Line technical assistance, policy advice and islands. Its total land area is about Children of Kiribati information on the sustainable 811 sq km within an equatorial Economic Exclusive management of these natural Zone (EEZ) of some 3.6 million sq km in the Central resources. SOPAC also contributes to a variety of Pacific. The maximum height above sea-level for geoscientific training and educational opportunities at Kiribati is 87 m. all levels to increase the country’s capacity in science and resource management. Additional assistance is The population of Kiribati was estimated at 88 600 in made available by SOPAC through technical support for 1 1999 , of which over 90% live in the Gilbert group, the establishment and maintenance of database mostly on Tarawa , the capital and commercial information systems and for electronic exchange of centre of Kiribati. information. Expertise in hazard assessment, disaster preparedness, mitigation and management is also Situated in the dry belt of the equatorial oceanic provided. climatic zone, rainfall varies from 1 000 mm to 3 000 mm per year. Severe, prolonged droughts are common in the drier islands in the central and southern equatorial region (eg. Gilberts and on Banaba, the Resource Development and , and ). Management The mainstays of the Kiribati economy are industrial fishing, agriculture, copra and remittances. For Small Island Developing States (SIDS), natural Subsistence activities are also still a major component resource development and management holds the key to of the . rapid economic development. Unwise exploitation of non-renewable resources and exploitation of renewable There are several resource and environmental issues, resources at a pace higher than the natural rate of common to island nations, affecting sustainable replenishment could prove detrimental to the development in the Republic of sustainable development plans of the country. Kiribati. These include an array of issues from climate In Kiribati natural resources in terrestrial, lagoonal and and sea-level variability, near-shore areas are extremely limited. And even though environmental degradation and its marine EEZ is blessed with a vast number of pollution to resource resources, these are difficult to utilise. management. More specific Aerial view of Kiribati challenges to sustainable development include coastal MINERALS erosion, water quality, water availability and sanitation. Sustainable management of resources such Kiribati is naturally endowed with several types of as aggregate, terrestrial and offshore minerals and mineral resources. These range from terrestrial minerals renewable energy are other issues in Kiribati’s quest for such as phosphate and gypsum to offshore cobalt-rich development. crusts and manganese nodules in the country’s EEZ. 1SPC Demography Programme

4 SOPAC country profile, KI In the period 1900-1979, phosphate was Biomass plays an undertaken in Banaba. This ceased in 1979 after the important role for major deposits of fossilised sea-bird became domestic purposes exhausted. However, there are still a few unmined such as cooking in areas on the island. Recently mining companies have the outer islands shown an interest in mining this remaining phosphate and for most on Kiribati. families in . Timber Solar cooker in Kiribati The other terrestrial and coastal resources include products including sand, coral, gravel and limestone aggregate that are palms constitute the biomass resources in feeding into the upsurge in Kiribati. Increasing population and the overexploitation construction activities. of fuelwood has resulted in the loss of suitable Offshore exploration is still supplies. On Betio, fuelwood has to be purchased to at a nascent stage in meet the growing demand. Kiribati. Surveys, however, One alternative source of energy, wind power, is used reveal the extensive presence Bird’s eye view of seamount for pumping water. However, due to problems of of cobalt-rich crusts and maintaining the equipment, it is not utilised for any polymetallic manganese other purpose. Photovoltaic systems have also been nodules in the EEZ around Kiribati. The future installed in rural homes, but most systems have failed. exploitation of these minerals has the potential to provide great economic benefits to the country. Several exploration companies have expressed interest in these WATER & SANITATION findings and have applied for exploration licences assess the scope and potential for development.

Fresh water is a fundamental resource for small island nations. Most development plans are pivotal on the ENERGY availability of fresh water. Clean water and proper sanitation enhance the health and productivity of the work force and have particular implications for the Kiribati relies heavily on imported fossil fuels for its children and future generations. commercial and transportation energy needs. Diesel generators supply electricity to most of the urban The availability of water has been a long-standing centres like Tarawa. For the outer islands, however, problem throughout Kiribati. Natural sources of where there is no regular supply of fuel for generators, permanent potable water are limited to groundwater in solar photovoltaic technology has been promoted. freshwater lenses. These freshwater lenses are floating on the higher-density seawater beneath the atolls. Importing fossil fuels for energy generation has been Other sources of water include handpump wells, roof putting an increasing strain on the economy of Kiribati. catchments and galleries. The use of alternative, renewable energy sources will help to offset future dependence on imports and Groundwater resources in Kiribati are commonly contribute to the overall aim of achieving the maximum contaminated from human and other solid wastes. This degree of energy independence, while providing arises from inadequate use of proper toilet facilities opportunities for development primarily in the rural and lack of infrastructure in the sanitation sector. Due sector. to the shallow water tables, seepage of waste into the fragile groundwater system is a common occurrence in Kiribati.

5 SOPAC country profile, KI surveys have given room for optimism as the Kiribati Challenges to Sustainable EEZ has shown extensive manganese nodules and Development & SOPAC’s cobalt-rich crusts. Therefore, because further extension of research was required to assess the potential of role in Kiribati these minerals, SOPAC in collaboration with signed another three-year contract in February 2000.

MINERALS Furthermore, to evolve the systems and guidelines for preparing Offshore Mineral Policies in the South Pacific, SOPAC coordinated an Offshore Mineral Policy SOPAC has been assisting Kiribati in addressing issues Workshop in February 1999 in Madang, New related to the development of mineral resources. Guinea. The 1998 Pacific Exploration Technology Assistance has included field surveys, assessment Seminar that SOPAC coordinated in Nadi, had several studies, workshops, training sessions and policy modules on offshore mining as well. This has proved formulation. useful in setting the stage for offshore mining in Pacific Several islands in Kiribati contain a promising amount countries. of gypsum. SOPAC carried out a desk study in 19962 Environmental pollution, adverse social impact and to re-evaluate the potential of the gypsum deposit on economic redistribution are the biggest concerns arising , and assess the economic viability of out of mining and mineral exploration. Air pollution, the deposit. water pollution and deterioration of land quality are the Several exploration companies have also assessed the primary damages inflicted by mining operations. The development potential of phosphate deposits in Kiribati. disposal of mine tailings is an arduous task for small, SOPAC has provided advice to the Government of land-scarce islands. Mining also leads to loss of green Kiribati on the potential of development of these cover and diminished aesthetic appeal of natural resources. A field survey consisting of drilling is planned surroundings, and renders the land unsuitable for other in August in 2000 to assess the amount of phosphate applications, even long after the closure of the mine. remaining on Banaba Island. Offshore mining could unleash a whole new host of problems ranging from the irreversible destruction of the Data compilation and management are fragile ecosystem to loss of fishing crucial for planning and administration grounds. of the mineral resources. SOPAC has initiated a project to maintain and Mineral resource development often update a mineral industry database for leaves indelible scars on the fabric of all the Pacific Countries including traditional societies through the Kiribati. Industry level databases resultant change in lifestyle, enhance the ability of governments of ESMG students working in the lab perceptions and values that it inevitably SIDS to negotiate with powerful affects. While displacement and transnational mining companies. compensation for externalities form a complex range of issues on their own, the assignment of pecuniary or In 19873 , SOPAC in partnership with Japan conducted economic value to communally owned properties like a survey to assess the potential of manganese nodules land has often lead to social disharmony. The loss of and cobalt-rich crusts in the Kiribati EEZ. Further land or fishing grounds deprives many of their surveys were carried out in 19894 and 19915 . These traditional lifestyles and the resultant unemployment catalyses alcoholism, violence and crime in the affected 2SOPAC Technical Report 240 3SOPAC Cruise Report 123 societies. SOPAC understands the impact of these 4 SOPAC Cruise Report 131 externalities on Kiribati’s goal of sustainable 5SOPAC Miscellaneous Report 207

6 SOPAC country profile, KI development and has attempted to address them while use of energy sector data, and to plan and manage the framing policies. Social cost benefit analysis and energy sector. A national energy supply/demand social and environmental impact assessments are database is also currently being created. The advocated for all mining projects in Kiribati. investigation into alternative energy sources for Kiribati has been carried out as well. Capacity development in the member states is one of the top priorities of SOPAC. Training in the field for A series of studies on the wave energy programme has technical personnel from the member countries is an been conducted by SOPAC on a regional level. The ongoing process with the aim of enhancing in-country outcome of SOPAC’s research was published in a capacity to undertake assessment studies and field brochure called “Ocean Wave Energy in the South surveys. This training is carried out through workshops Pacific” which provides extensive information on the and seminars and through the courses in the Earth results, status of wave energy internationally and Science and Marine Geology Certificate Programme, avante-garde technology in the field. The brochure also which has been undertaken for 21 years. proved to be a useful promotional pamphlet for the potential that the South Pacific has in this area7 . ENERGY Several regional workshops and training programmes has also been organised by SOPAC. A regional energy programme design workshop was convened in Nadi by

Kiribati relies mainly on imported fossil fuels for its SOPAC in 1998. This workshop helped to outline the energy generation. Many problems are faced by the energy sector priorities of the Pacific nations and drew energy sector in Kiribati. The technical expertise and up a programme for the period 1999-2004. Wind, infrastructure needed to utilise alternative and geothermal energy, biomass and hybrid power systems indigenous energy resources better, are lacking. The were identified as energy sources of the future for the 8 cost of technologies is high islands . and the ability to install SOPAC realises the need to assist Kiribati in: and maintain them is underdeveloped. In addition · development of electrification policies and to this, the database for guidelines; electricity consumption is · modification of energy databases; poor, making the Energy database training forecasting of load demand · strengthening of human resource base in energy difficult. Also, the sector; and generating system is old and poorly maintained. · identification of renewable energy sources. SOPAC has assisted Kiribati with the development of a photovoltaic system, which provides a secure, reliable and cost-effective source of electricity for the outer WATER & SANITATION islands6 . Installation of the project was completed in collaboration with the Kiribati Solar Energy Company (SEC), which was established in 1985. SOPAC has attempted to assist Kiribati with the water and sanitation issues through field surveys, SOPAC has also undertaken training workshops to assessments and capacity building through training strengthen human capacity in Kiribati to evaluate new programmes and workshops. and renewable energy projects and the collection and

7SOPAC Miscellaneous Report 234 6Task Profile KI 99.002 8SOPAC Miscellaneous Report 315

7 SOPAC country profile, KI Assistance was provided by SOPAC In 199714 , SOPAC organised a to the Government of Kiribati in workshop to review the photovoltaic assessing salt-water intrusion in pumping technology and determine babai (giant ) pits on the atoll the causes for its failure in the South islands of , and Pacific. The workshop also looked at in 19959 . This survey ways for making the technology more highlighted the need for training to Rubbish dumped on the beach in Kiribati affordable to villages and improve water management. households.

In 199610 , a workshop was conducted by SOPAC on During the 1999 World Water Day, organised an Essay appropriate and affordable sanitation for small and Poster Competition for schools. The theme islands. This workshop provided information on ‘Everybody Lives Downstream’ helped raise public sanitation options, produced a guidelines booklet, and awareness on the flow-on effects of water pollution and promoted health and hygiene standards associated mismanagement. The day also highlighted the need in with sanitation in Kiribati. island nations to manage freshwater resources wisely and a public forum was organised as well. Furthermore, in 199811 field investigations were carried out for the demand management and In addition to these, SOPAC since 1979 has been conservation project. Information relating to water running an Earth Science programme for technicians issues was collected and observations made on the from member countries. Since 1995, when the Water current water-sector practices in Kiribati. Local water and Sanitation Programme was first attached to SOPAC, sector staff were trained in the principles of water a module relating to water issues was added to the demand management and use of monitoring certificate course at the University of the South Pacific. equipment. Several projects have also been proposed to address Several workshops have been organised by SOPAC to water issues in Kiribati. These include the assessment evolve strategies on water resource management and of the water resources of Banaba and the identification development. A regional consultation workshop on of alternative potable water sources15 and the water resource management in the Pacific regions was monitoring of Kirimati Island’s water project16 . held in 199612 . Some of the constraints specific to SOPAC realises the need to assist with water and Kiribati that were identified are non-availability of sanitation problems in Kiribati and suggested the data, inappropriate and underused equipment and lack following to be implemented: of technical expertise. The same year SOPAC organised a workshop at the Secretariat on Technologies for · development of policy and legislation; Maximising and Augmenting Freshwater Resources in · water sector action plans for Kiribati; Small Islands13 . This workshop contributed towards a

Source Book of Alternative Technologies for Freshwater · undertaking of pilot projects, research and Augmentation in Small Island Developing States to be feasibility studies to address water and sanitation published by SOPAC in a user-friendly format for issues; and application by water sector managers and planners in developing countries like Kiribati. · improvement of infrastructure within the water and sanitation sector, eg. proper maintenance of toilets.

9SOPAC Technical Report 229 10SOPAC Miscellaneous Report 238 11SOPAC Miscellaneous Report 302 14SOPAC Miscellaneous Report 251 12SOPAC Miscellaneous Report 229 15Task Profile KI 99.022 13SOPAC Miscellaneous Report 223 16Task Profile KI 99.049

8 SOPAC country profile, KI CLIMATE & SEA-LEVEL VARIABILITY COASTAL MANAGEMENT

Global climate variability may be responsible for Coastal erosion is one of the major problems facing increasingly more-frequent and more-severe storms, Kiribati. Being a small low-lying and relatively flat interspersed with scorching droughts. The impact of country, Kiribati is entirely coastal. Therefore most this variable climate has been harsh on the ecosystems activities such as recreation, liquid and solid waste and coastal, terrestrial and marine biodiversity. disposal, extraction of sand and gravel rock for Economically, the impact has translated into decreased construction and building of roadways take place along agricultural yield, death of livestock, and decrease and the shorefront of Kiribati. However, due to the lack of loss of marine biodiversity. This has caused loss of understanding of the wave and current dynamics revenue that can have detrimental effects on the social around the islands and the misconception that the and economic systems of SIDS and developing coasts will recover, these atoll environments are under economies. As the majority of the people dependent on severe stress and are affected by significant erosion, these sources of income are poor, the poverty pollution and damage to marine coastal biodiversity. implications of variable climate are high. Activities that contribute to the increasing problem of Some of the potential effects of climate variability erosion on Kiribati include fill reclamation for road include an increase in the frequency of tropical construction, blasting of reefs for boat channel cyclones. Even though Kiribati lies outside the normal construction, and aggregate mining for construction cyclone belts to the north and south of the equator, the purposes17 . Coastal erosion is most acute near the effect of distant storms and cyclones can sometimes be urban centre of South Tarawa, where population felt in the northernmost and southernmost islands. density, unregulated shorefront development and over- Other effects of variable climate comprise the exploitation of coastal inundation of low-lying atolls, saltwater contamination resources are the highest. of freshwater lenses, increased coastal erosion and the loss of already limited and valuable land. While the SOPAC has been assisting actual impact of climate change at the local level has Kiribati in addressing the not been assessed, the issue of global warming and coastal erosion issue sea-level change and its possible impact on the through technical field surveys, coastal mapping environment is of critical concern to the government On-the-field training and people of Kiribati. workshops, in-country training seminars and public awareness campaigns. Although SOPAC has not provided Kiribati any assistance to date with the issue of climate and sea- The establishment of a beach-monitoring programme on level variability, the increasing importance of this issue Betio and Bairiki in 1982 was one of the first and its implications to the survival and livelihood of activities of SOPAC after Kiribati became a member the country will certainly require future assistance from country following independence in 1979. Beach SOPAC. Experience and expertise in coastal profiles were established to monitor beach changes management, environmental vulnerability assessment, near a proposed causeway between Betio and Bairiki mitigation and adaptation strategy development are all Islands in South Tarawa. The surveys continued till 18 part of SOPAC’s capabilities and technical resources 1988 . that it is able to provide countries to help address this issue.

17Task Profile KI 99.025 18SOPAC Technical Report 94

9 SOPAC country profile, KI SOPAC carried out coastal-zone field surveys on · identification of alternative Tarawa atoll and Kiritimati in 198219 and 198320 coastal aggregate resources respectively, to examine coastal erosion problems in using remote sensing and these areas. Alternative strategies of resolving erosion ground surveys. problems were considered in this assessment. Similar Given the critical importance of studies were conducted on Abaiang Atoll in 198921 the coastal area as a source of and the Group in 1992. Subsequently, Spot image of Rannawani subsistence activity and the an action plan to deal with erosion problems was small, low-lying and vulnerable developed22 . nature of Kiribati islands, SOPAC will continue playing To assist Kiribati in meeting the immediate needs for an important role in the future. sand aggregate SOPAC has undertaken several projects23 . These include the identification of alternative aggregate sources and their assessment24 . STEPS INTO THE FUTURE: INFORMATION An assessment study was also done for the demands TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNICATION for sand and gravel in Tarawa25 . Recently, SOPAC conducted a For effective resource management and planning, the training workshop on storage and processing of timely and accurate scientific beach dynamics and data is critical. Island nations face the fundamental coastal processes in crisis of geographic isolation and high cost of Tarawa26 . This formed communication between the various islands. Given the part of an in-country small size of these nations, technology providers are training session to reluctant to supply cutting-edge technology owing to Use of coconut trunks as protection against erosion provide information for poor economies of scale and difficulties in monitoring. Government personnel on Low human capital endowment further complicates the coastal processes. A draft beach manual and several situation. These problems are a constraint in the technical guidelines were prepared for this activity. Kiribati’s pursuit of rapid growth.

Several recommendations have been put forward by SOPAC has been assisting Kiribati to improve its SOPAC to tackle coastal erosion and manage sand management systems and train personnel in aggregates: Information Technology. This assistance includes:

· implementation of appropriate environmental · GIS workshop to provide training in MapInfo and policies and legislation; remote sensing to staff of Lands and Survey Department and other agencies, in 1996. · use of advanced technology for shoreline 27 protection; · Fellowship attachments at SOPAC .

· management and maintenance of coastal · Upgrading of the Ministry of Natural Resources 28 structures; and information systems .

· ITPACNET, a regional annual meeting, created by SOPAC and FFA. The aim of this meeting is to 19SOPAC Technical Reports 25 & 31 20SOPAC Technical Report 24 standardise information technology and 21SOPAC Technical Report 92 communications between CROP and the region. 22SOPAC Technical Report 167 & Preliminary Report 52 23SOPAC Technical Reports 217 & 235 24SOPAC Preliminary Report 72 25SOPAC Preliminary Report 75 27Task Profile KI 98.021 26Task Profiles KI 99.025 & 99.040 28SOPAC Miscellaneous Report 195

10 SOPAC country profile, KI A computing unit for GIS and remote sensing work was areas as well. Training programmes, workshops and provided by SOPAC to Kiribati in 1993 through funding seminars will be organised regularly to assist Kiribati under Lome III. Technical assistance, hardware and in creating a national capacity in geo-science. SOPAC support continue to be an integral part of SOPAC’s will continue its work to reduce Kiribati’s vulnerability workplan for Kiribati. to natural disasters and improve preparedness.

As a regional data centre, SOPAC has been compiling Island systems management will be a future area of geographical data on Kiribati. focus, given its ability to improve database management and decision-making processes. SOPAC In future, the focus will be on: intends to support the development of information · Development of appropriate, economic and technology and communication infrastructure in scaleable technologies. Kiribati to achieve this.

· Increasing the number of IT professionals in the By performing its functions as the specialised scientific local population. organisation that it is, SOPAC has been addressing some of the fundamental factors that have impeded the · Improving Internet access. development process.

· Further development of GIS and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques. Reference Materials

Future directions in Kiribati SOPAC provides access to a variety of information relating to Kiribati. This can be accessed through the In future, SOPAC will continue its partnership with library database, PIMRIS or the Internet. Kiribati, to overcome the hurdles in the path of Some of these reference materials relevant to Kiribati sustainable development. SOPAC will use its key are: ‘ownership advantage’ - the expertise in applied sciences - to help Kiribati manage and develop its non- · Maps of Kiribati (coastal, aerial, bathymetric) living resources sustainably. · Project reports SOPAC will further its partnership with Kiribati in · Educational/Awareness Pamphlets developing onshore and offshore resources for minerals

and hydrocarbons. Policy formulation will be a key · Videos area that SOPAC will develop as one of its core professional activity. Development of appropriate · Deep-sea minerals database legislation to manage coastal erosion and regulate · Geological samples aggregate mining will be a priority in the near future. · General reference material on Kiribati Sustainable development, Please refer to the Kiribati Bibliography for SOPAC’s full conservation and reference and material listing. management will be the For more information please contact: guiding principles in the The Librarian water and energy South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission Private Mail Bag, GPO sectors. Policy Suva, Fiji Islands

development will be an Phone : (679) 381377, Fax : (679) 370040 Email : [email protected] activity in both these Website : www.sopac.org.fj

11 SOPAC country profile, KI Issues and SOPAC’s Responses for Further Development

ISSUES CONSTRAINTS RESPONSES FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT

Water & Sanitation · Lack of management and maintenance of water · Development of resource policy and legislation supply infrastructure · Assisting in development of rainwater catchment · Limited groundwater supplies systems · Demand exceeds potential of groundwater sources · Educating public on the importance of water · Low rainfall conservation · Groundwater susceptible to contamination by salt · Improvement of infrastructure within the water and water and faeces sanitation sector · Inadequate water catchment and storage facilities · Holding workshops and training programmes to · Lack of public knowledge on water conservation educate local people on safe sanitation and waste · High population density and insufficient sanitation disposal practices facilities · Undertaking pilot projects, research and feasibility · Lack of public awareness of safe sanitation practices studies · Limited land available for landfill sites · Lack of awareness of the environmental impacts of poor waste management · Inadequate legislation to control waste disposal

Coastal Management · Poor land management practices · Development and implementation of appropriate · Uncontrolled coastal activities such as sand mining, policies and legislation leading to serious erosion · Identifying economically viable, alternative · Inappropriate coastal development and protection aggregate resources works · Dialogue with the government and private sector · Inadequate public knowledge on coastal zone on coastal development and managment management · Public education and awareness raising about coastal degradation and management

Minerals · Inadequate scientific research to define full potential · Development of resource policy and advice on the of resources development of minerals · High risks and costs associated with acquisition of · Encourage further research data

Energy · Importing fossil fuels to generate electricity placing · Identifying viable renewable energy sources increasing strain on the economy. · Enhancing skills required by energy staff for · Lack of technical expertise in the energy sector management and operation of the energy sector · Inadequate public awareness on renewable energy through workshops and training programmes sources and management · Development of energy policies and legislation

Information Technology & Communication · Limited availability and poor access to accurate, · Upgrading of information systems timely and sound scientific information · Providing training to locals in information · Poor human resource capacity in the IT sector technology · Lack of relevant regional and local data · Compiling and organising databases · High cost · Assisting in the development of Internet access in Kiribati · Coordination, compilation and creation of standardised geographic data sets

Human Resource Development · Weak human resource base · Conducting workshops and technical training · Limited financial and institutional resources programmes to improve national capacity in the · Limited expertise geosciences · Running the Earth Science and Marine Geology course to improve the human resource base · Fellowship attachments

12 SOPAC country profile, KI South Pacific RegionSouth Pacific Maritime Limits

SOPAC Member Countries: , , Federated States of , Fiji Islands, , Kiribati, , , , , , , , Kingdom of , , and . and are Associate Members.

13 SOPAC country profile, KI