Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter I. Introduction and Purpose
Draft 1 March 2007
New England Aquarium (NEAq), and Conservation International (CI) signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) for the development of a management and financial plan to support
the creation of the PIPA. The Global Conservation Fund (GCF) at CI is financing the
implementation phase and has committed to begin the capitalization of the endowment to
support the PIPA.
The overall purpose of this project is to create a long-term conservation and sustainable
development program for the Phoenix Islands. This includes natural, cultural and historic
conservation for the islands of Abariringa (Kanton or Canton), Enderbury, Birnie, Rawaki
(Phoenix), Orona (Hull), Manra (Sydney), Nikumaroro (Gardner) and McKean, known
collectively as the Phoenix Islands. The marine protected area extends 60 nautical miles out
from the coastline of each island and including both marine and terrestrial habitats.
B. NEED FOR MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) represents the third largest marine protected area
in the world. The newly designated Northwest Hawaiian Islands National Monument
(designated in 2006) is the largest MPA in the world. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Authority (GBRMPA) is the second largest MPA in the world.
The history of the Phoenix Islands goes back to prehistoric times. In more recent times, both
the British and Americans have both claim some if not all of the Phoenix Islands. In 1979,
the Phoenix Islands became part of the newly independent country of Kiribati.
Over the years, various researchers have conducted research in the Phoenix Islands.
However, reports of these studies rarely are provided to the Government of Kiribati and are
also rarely available locally.
As such this management plan provides an opportunity to learn the history of the Phoenix
Islands as well as to reveal the scientific understanding of the area. There are always
important lessons that can be learned from history. In addition, research findings can provide
a foundation for improved resource management.
With such a large protected area as PIPA, it is important to develop plans and strategies for
effective management of natural resources and anthropogenic influences within the
constraints of the management resources available. PIPA is a very remote location. Logistics
and sustainability will be major challenges facing PIPA.
C. PREVIOUS PHOENIX ISLANDS MANAGEMENT PLANS
Fosberg et al (1973) provided guidance on management of Phoenix Islands terrestrial and
marine resources. These included:
1) Severely restrict visits to Phoenix Islands, except Abariringa (Canton), except
for scientific or other urgent reasons. Casual visits should not take place.
2) Helicopters should not operate at an elevation of less than 1,500 ft and one
half-mile offshore.
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