Map of the Marshall Islands (click to view full-size)
Background information
The Marshall Islands (hover cursor over image to right for map) are composed of approximately 1,152 islands, 29 of which are atolls, with a human population of c.60,000 living on a total land area of 181.3 km2. Most of the islands are low-lying coral, limestone and sand. The climate is characteristically hot and humid, with a wet season that lasts from May to November. The fauna and flora are not particularly diverse, with - for instance - approximately 70 bird species, 15 of which are seabirds.
Although there is strong, clear legislation in place for EIA and coastal zone management plans, capacity, experience and knowledge are limited, and cultural barriers to imposing regulation exist. Work to improve capacity in the islands has resulted in effective public participation in EIA, has changed the way small developments are handled in comparison with large developments, and has reduced the social barriers to the EPA that existed previously (Baker 2006).
Legislation regarding biodiversity and impact assessment
National
The Endangered Species Act 1975 implements the CITES convention in the islands.
The National Environmental Protection Act 1984 implements EIA and EIS in part IV.
Almost all taxa of animal and plant that are protected by Marshallese law are marine: the exception being the 'Micronesian Pigeon'.
Further information on this legislation can be found through the legislation pages.
Key development areas and issues
The key issue hindering the effective implementation of impact assessment is probably - as with most small island states - lack of human and financial resources.
One of the key constraints on development is also the lack of clean water.
Biodiversity Information
The highest priority habitats in the Marshall Islands according to the 2nd National Report to the CBD are marine and coastal habitats, and agricultural diversity. The Marshall Islands have few representative areas of the other main foci of the CBD: forested, dry sub-humid lands and inland water ecosystems. Information on biodiversity of the islands is vague, however, with few data available.
Terrestrial biodiversity is dominated by non-native plants - only around 80 species (20%) of the terrestrial flora being considered indigenous. Terrestrial fauna is dominated by invertebrates, with perhaps ca.700 indigenous species. The most diverse group is the insects, with perhaps 150 of the ca.600 species considered to be indigenous. Reptiles are limited to 18 species, and just five indigenous (extant) landbird species are recorded.
With such a vast area of sea compared to that of the land (99.99+% of the territory), the marine biodiversity far outstrips the terrestrial. More than 90% of the recorded fauna and a 'large percentage' of the flora of the territory is marine. Over 1,000 species of fish are known, with the majority being inshore species (found to a depth of ca. 200m). Human influence over species composition is more limited here than on land, with just 6 apparently introduced fish species. Cetacean diversity consists of 10 species known or suspected to visit territorial waters. Five marine turtle species are known from the area, and there are presumably a number of seabird species breeding and visiting the area.
Rates of endemism are relatively low on land, with the majority of endemics being insects. Marine species show greater numbers of endemics, although the rate of endemism (percentage of endemic species) is still relatively low.
Some 43 Marshallese taxa are considered to be of global conservation concern by various organisations, the vast majority being marine species. Exceptions are the 'Micronesian Pigeon' and three landsnail species.
Further information on important species of the Marshall Islands can be found through this page
Protected Areas
No existing marine protected areas are known from the Marshall Islands. In previous years two reserves were established (Bikar Atoll and Bokakk/Taongi Atoll), but new legislation may (has?) re-established their status. The areas originally designated included turtle nesting areas and seabird colonies, but no areas of the surrounding reefs.
Further information on protected areas can be found here.