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The Wildlife Conservation Unit and BirdLife International successfully completed baiting operations to eradicate Pacific rats from 13 motu including Motu Upua in the Kiritimati Central Lagoon. Four of these motu were previously rat free (Drum islets) and 3 others (Nimroona islets) had been baited in 2023 but rats (and one cat) were confirmed present likely following a reduction in the water level of the lagoon. The 14-day field mission also strengthened WCUs capability for detecting rats and cats and in the use of tools and practices to eradicate them. A suppression response for cats was initiated on Big Peninsula but requires WCU personnel to have regular access to vehicles to operationalise it. Observations of seabirds confirmed Phoenix Petrel numbers remain high for the Drum and Nimroona islets, but few nesting Red-tailed Tropicbirds were observed and may be attributable to the widespread poaching of these and other seabirds. Access to vehicles enabling reinstatement of regular patrols by WCU personnel is considered critical and could be facilitated through specialist expertise and the provision of parts in making repairs to the existing fleet. Other recommendations include a regular surveillance programme for priority islets to detect and respond to rat incursions.

The Kiribati Waste Analysis Report provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of waste generation, composition and management across the country. It serves as a foundational document to guide policy formulation, infrastructure development, and stakeholder coordination toward a more efficient, inclusive and sustainable waste management system. Data and information captured in this report is guided by the overarching Regional Waste Data Collection, Monitoring and Reporting Framework (DCMR)

Find out how to access the Kiribati Container Deposit Return Scheme. This short video is available in I-Kiribati language

Find out how to access the Kiribati Container Deposit Return Scheme. By watching this short video

PacWastePlus assisted Kiribati in asbestos management project progress

The Government of Kiribati is responsible for waste management policy and planning through the Ministry of Environment, Land, and Agricultural Development (MELAD) and waste infrastructure and public education through the Bureau of Public Works. Local and municipal councils are responsible for the delivery of household and commercial waste collections which are contracted to private operators, council owned waste facilities, and waste related projects

Banaba island was mined for phosphate from 1900 to 1979. The Pacific Phosphate company constructed a large number of buildings including housing, workshops, schools, hospital, churches and other structure.

The project involved the removal of asbestos containing material from selected buildings on the Island of Banaba, and the development of a Strategic Asbestos Management Plan. Three buildings were targeted for abatement activities, with 3,645m2 of non-friable asbestos containing material roofing sheets and cladding to be removed. Tasks included: (1) arranging the Environmental Permit required by the Government of Kiribati for the work to proceed, (2) chartering a vessel to take the asbestos abatement crew to Banaba Island (a trip of about two days) and pick them up after the work was completed, (3) training thirty-eight workers to undertake abatement including local Banaba island personnel, (4) provide logistical support, i.e., meals and accommodations for the workers, (5) provide ancillary supplies and equipment, i.e., sea-sickness tablets, two generators, mattresses, mosquito nets, gas cookers, two motorcycles, (6) providing a Starlink system to enable internet communications, and (7) arrange for the shipment of the asbestos containing material to New Zealand for disposal. The remote nature of Banaba Island meant there was no appropriate landing craft adding additional complications to loading the asbestos containing material for shipment. The asbestos containing material was disposed of at the EnviroNZ landfill, Hampton Downs, Auckland, New Zealand.

At the outset, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Government of French Polynesia for the warm welcome, and for graciously hosting us in your beautiful country. I would also like to thank the Blue Cradle Foundation and collaborating partners for organising the Tiaki Moana Summit and Workshop on ‘Other Effective Area based Conservation Measures (OECM).

Operations to eradicate rat population have been taking place on islets in French Polynesia and in Wallis and Futuna to preserve native species and ecosystems threatened by these rodents. The main goal are to strengthen the resilience of communities on Ua Pou and Wallis to preserve populations of native species. These include the seabirds that nest on the islets of the Marquesas archipelago, as well as the birds, turtles, crabs and plants that comprise the ecosystems of the islets in the lagoon of Wallis.