Kiritimati Sustainable Development Platform

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Kiritimati's development is central to the Kiribati 20-Year Vision (KV20, 2016-36), emphasizing fisheries and sustainable tourism as key productive sectors for economic growth. The proposed project is designed to support the implementation of the Line and Phoenix Islands Integrated Development Strategy 2016-36 (LPIIDS) and the General Land Use Plan (GLUP). This framework aims to steer the region towards sustainable growth and resilience, addressing the challenges and leveraging the distinct opportunities of the Line and Phoenix Islands. Specifically, rehabilitating Kiritimati's international airport is crucial for boosting eco-tourism and supporting domestic and international flights. Upgrades to Kiritimati's seaports are essential for the fishing industry and to facilitate trade and logistics opportunities, highlighting the importance of improved connective infrastructure. The enhancement of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) infrastructure, including the expansion of high-speed internet data, is aimed at fostering economic activities and connecting communities across the island. These efforts, supported by strategic public sector investment, underscore the vital role of targeted and coordinated interventions in realizing the KV20 Vision in general and for Kiritimati in particular. The Government of Kiribati is committed to strengthening the enablers for sustainable and resilient growth in Kiritimati Island, known as the Kiritimati Island Economic Development Program (KIEDP). It balances economic ambitions, climate threats, and internal migration, requiring a multi-sectoral and long-term development platform to coordinate public, private, and donor financing consistent with sustainability and resilience principles. It is aligned with the Government’s development priorities in KV20, Kiribati Development Plan (KDP, 2020-23), Kiribati National Infrastructure Investment Plan (KNIIP, 2022-32), and LPIIDS. The proposed project will establish KIEDP's fundamental value proposition to coordinate the development partner’s efforts in supporting the Kiribati government in developing Kiritimati Island responsibly, adaptively, and resiliently, leveraging the Bank’s experience through existing engagements in Kiribati. The Kiritimati Sustainable Development Platform (KSDP) aims to support the preparation and implementation of the government’s economic vision for the sustainable development of Kiritimati Island across various sectors. The project comprises two main components: "Knowledge-Driven Economic and Land Use Planning" and "Institutional and Environmental Capacity for Sustainable Delivery."The first component aims to provide TA to inform the foundation for sustainable economic growth and land use planning in Kiritimati by emphasizing the need for an integrated approach that considers environmental protection. This initiative involves funding an Integrated Master Plan (IMP) to analyze the physical environment, manage the sustainability and resilience of land and marine resources, protect natural resources, and ensure sustainable land use. Additionally, it includes preparing a comprehensive investment program blueprint.The second component focuses on strengthening governance and capacity building. It involves establishing a Delivery Unit under the "Delivery Mechanism" sub-component 2.1 to streamline program implementation. The "Institutional Development" sub-component 2.2 creates effective and sustainable governance structures by implementing the Institutional Needs Assessment (INA) and necessary economic reforms. Lastly, it aims to develop and implement a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) under the "Climate & Environment Protection" sub-component 2.3 to mitigate associated downstream risks.