Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 2. Human Activities
Draft 1 March 2007
(Oxfam Community Aid Abroad 2002). After the visit, Australia rejected Abariringa
(Kanton) for logistical reasons (Maley et al 2002; Oxfam Community Aid Aboard 2002).
Abariringa was proposed as a substitute site for the Kakai Scheme (PIKS Project Manager
2002).
During a 2002 expedition to the Phoenix Islands, a trimaran yacht was observed on
Abariringa (Kanton) with an American and his Fijian partner (Neilson 2002). They had lived
there for 6 months and had erected a shack and constructed a water catchment. They did not
have any permit to be there.
Stone (2004) reported 35 people living on Abariringa (Kanton).
BIRNIE
1992, Birnie was uninhabited (Republic of Kiribati 1992).
In 1993, all Phoenix Islands, including Birnie, were uninhabited except Abariringa (Kanton)
(Neemia and Thaman 1993).
ENDERBURY
When Kiribati became independent in 1979, the U.S. relinquished all claims to Abariringa
(Kanton) and Enderbury (Douglas and Douglas 1994).
Garnett (1983a) noted that since Kiribati independence in 1979, no use had been made of
Enderbury.
1992, Enderbury was uninhabited (Republic of Kiribati 1992).
In 1993, all Phoenix Islands, including Enderbury, were uninhabited except Abariringa
(Kanton) (Neemia and Thaman 1993).
Most recently, Enderbury had become part of the U.S. anti-ballistic missile program (Douglas
and Douglas 1994).
In 1995, the survey team for the Phoenix Islands made numerous recommendations for
development of the Phoenix Islands, specifically Abariringa (Tunaari), Enderbury, Manra,
and Nikumaroro (Government of Kiribati 1995). These included the re-settlement of
Abariringa (Tunaari), Enderbury, Manra, and Nikumaroro. Overseas funding was suggested
as a mechanism for funding these projects.
MANRA (SYDNEY)
1992, Manra was uninhabited (Republic of Kiribati 1992).
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