Reimaanlok: A National Framework for Conservation Area Planning in the Marshall Islands

Table 1

Definitions of Reimaanlok concepts and terms as developed in workshops.

Term	Definition
Nearshore Marine Resources (NMR)	Resources below the high water mark oceanward to a depth of approximately 100 m, and including the entire lagoon. Given this definition, there are 14,067 km^2 of NMR in the RMI.
Effective Conservation	Management that (a) maintains or improves atoll ecosystems, their biodiversity, health, productivity, and integrity, (b) sustains artisanal subsistence use of resources, and (c) protects and preserves areas of significant natural and cultural heritage. Areas under Effective Conservation have (a) publicly developed, legitimately recognized, and actionable management plans with clear objectives, (b) long-term biological and socio-economic monitoring and evaluation against management objectives, and (c) some form of recognized customary or legal rules and compliance system. Areas under Effective Conservation are part of a national system of conservation areas that includes representation of all habitat types and special conservation targets.
Types of Conservation Areas in the Marshall Islands-Type I-Subsistence Only	This area is managed for subsistence noncommercial use. In international standards, this relates to IUCN Category VI-Managed Resource Protected Area. The management area may include some Type II-Special Reserve no-take or highly restricted areas as part of the management regime.
Types of Conservation Areas in the Marshall Islands-Type II-Special Reserve	This area is subject to a high level of protection, and occasionally a very low level of subsistence or special occasion activities. In international standards, this relates to IUCN Category Ib-Wilderness Area. Examples of this are the atolls of Ailinginae and Bikini that have high levels of protection and restrictions on human activities