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The objectives of these guidelines is to offer practical guidance and technical support to any future mangrove planting efforts and initiatives in Kiribati and the wider South Pacific region. Mangroves are found in low shrubby communities on several atolls in the Gilbert Islands of Kiribati, including Tarawa, Butaritari, Aranuka and Abemama. Baba et al. (2009) reported a total of 258 ha of mangroves on four atolls in Kiribati.

These guidelines have been written for local government staff (e.g. from the Ministry of Fisheries or Environment), scientists and NGO’s in the region, with the intention that they work in close collaboration with local communities to implement seagrass restoration when and where that would considered appropriate.

The present report presents guidelines for mangrove planting in Kiribati. Although the focus of this report is on Kiribati, much of its contents can also be applied elsewhere in the Pacific region. These guidelines are based on a combination of a thorough literature review of mangrove planting efforts worldwide, evaluation of previous achievements in mangrove planting on Tarawa (Kiribati) and hands-on personal experience by the author in mangrove restoration projects at various locations worldwide.

The World Bank policy note “Not If, But When” shows the Pacific island countries to be among the world’s most vulnerable to natural disasters. Since 1950, natural disasters have directly affected more than 3.4 million people and led to more than 1,700 reported deaths in the Pacific Islands Region (excluding Papua New Guinea). In the 1990s alone, reported natural disasters cost the Region US$2.8 billion (in real 2004 value). The traditional approach of ”wait and mitigate” is a far worse strategy than proactively managing risks.