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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.

Natural hazards comtinue their onslaught while the attention of the media, governments and public is cnetered on COVID-19. currently these disasters barely make it to the news, yet recent events such as Tropical cyclone Harold in Vanuatu on 6th April 2020 exact a heavy toll. Housing has been hardest hit in the cyclone with more than 10,000 people reportedto have lost their homes. What should be the best pathway for reconstruction in Vanuatu? There are some reports that people have already begun to rebuild their houses, but it is not certain whether cyclone-resilient construction is being followed. Which is why it is important at this point to make early decisions in this regard and to assess the technical and othe options to build back better and safer.