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The NISSAP aims to protect the RMI’s natural resources, environment, and communities from the impact of invasive species. Further, it seeks to enhance and strengthen cooperation and coordination to combat invasive species by improving public awareness, enhancing capacity for managing and preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species. The NISSAP includes an overview of the current situation of invasive species in the RMI and identifies the process for their management. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce will implement the NISSAP in cooperation with key stakeholders and partners.

Field support and training was provided to Government of Kiribati staff at Kiritimati (Christmas Island) during 1-15 November 2023 as part of a Biopama project facilitated by BirdLife/SPREP. This project focused on rat eradication for biodiversity recovery, and associated outcome monitoring and capacity building. Specific objectives (and outcomes) included eradicating Kimoa (Rattus exulans) which had reinvaded Big Nimroona and SW Nimroona motu in 2017 (both motu were baited 6 days apart); confirming the status of invasives and birds on other key motu (checks of other significant motu indicated that Kimoa remain absent and rat-sensitive birds are thriving as a result); monitoring of endangered seabirds revealed that the Kiritimati population of Te Ruru continues to increase, while a large number of smaller motu provide secure nesting for Te Bwebwe ni Marawa; determining island and motu biosecurity needs (detailed biosecurity needs lists were completed and motu surveillance protocols adapted); and some additional training was completed for all.

Merremia peltata, disturbance ecology, tropical cyclones and Samoa. The biology and ecology of Merremia peltata are not well understood. While some regard the species as an exotic invader of Pacific Island ecosystems (Meyer. 2000). others identify the plant as a native species likely to be harmful to native ecosystems (Whistler, 1995a. 2002) or as either native or ancient Polynesian introduction behaving invasively (Space and Flynn.(2002). In Samoa, this species occurs up to an elevation of around 300 meters (Whistler 1995a). and thus only affects lowland ecosystems. This species increases its distribution and abundance in two ways, either vegetatively. by sprawling into neighboring areas and rooting from its nodes or by seeds, although early research in the Solomons observed a low seed viability rate, and creeping may thus be its primary means of reproduction (Bacon. 1982). M. peltata has apparently been in the Pacific for hundreds of years (Whistler, pers. com.) but has only become invasive in the years following tropical cyclones Ofa (1990) and Val (1991) according to comments from local government officials. Disturbance thus appears to be an ecological contributing factor to this invasion.