Implementing the Reimaanlok Conservation Planning Process

Process Steps
1. Define Purpose of Local and Traditional Knowledge Collection
There are various reasons for the collection of local and traditional knowledge on natural resources in
the RMI including:
a. Identification of places and species that should be targets for conservation and management;
b. Empowering communities and encouraging their participation in developing resource
management plans for their atolls, including conservation plans and fisheries management
plans, by acknowledging the existence and value of their knowledge; and
c. Documenting and guarding against the loss of traditional knowledge and resource management
practices as part of Marshall Islands heritage.
Prior to a process for collecting information, it is important to be clear about the purpose and uses of
the information. This will influence the following process. Consider the questions:
• What will be done with the information? How will it be used?
• Where and how will the information be stored?
• Who will have access to the information?
2. Preliminary Meetings with Iroij and Mayor
The appropriate way to access the community is through traditional and elected leaders. In addition,
these leaders may themselves have good knowledge of the resources on their atolls. In particular, the
Iroij is a key source for information about mo.
Preliminary meetings with the Iroij and Mayors should be held with the objectives:
• To fully inform them of the purpose of the information gathering,
• To gather preliminary information on resources and mo, and
• To gain access to knowledgeable people from their communities.
More than one meeting will probably be required in order to meet all these objectives. Meetings may
also include advisors and representatives of the Iroij or Mayor.
3. Setup Workshop/ Meeting
a. Invite informants
Make sure informants know the date, time and location. Make reminder phone calls. Direction
from the Mayor or Iroij to the informant will be helpful to ensure the informant has the
authority to give information.
b. Prepare materials for workshop
Arrange for maps or charts of the atoll for the workshop.
Small format maps may be generated from the Marshall Islands Conservation GIS. Large format
maps may be printed by RMIEPA or nautical charts may be used.
Prepare forms for recording of the information.
31