Many would find it hard to point out Kiribati (pronounced Kiribas), a small island nation comprising 33 atolls and reef islands in the central Pacific Ocean. Ironically, in the future, there's a real possibility that these islands may no longer appear on the map. As global warming continues to manifest itself in various ways across the world, Kiribati, despite contributing less than 0.01% of global greenhouse gas emissions, could be one of the first nations to face existential threats due to rising sea levels.
Br Tainga Moanriba (third from right) and other Champagnat Marists in Kiribati.
In the face of this crisis, however, an inspiring environmental grassroots movement is taking place on the island, spearheaded by the Marist community. Named Clean Green Blue, the initiative is firmly rooted in Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si, which implores citizens of the world to be more mindful of how we engage with 'our common home,' the Earth.
The venture encompasses environmental projects like building sea walls to arrest rising sea levels surrounding the island, planting mangroves and native trees, cleaning up plastic pollution, and empowering children and youth through school programs to become the next generation of eco-warriors.
Named Clean Green Blue, the initiative is firmly rooted in Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si.
The Star Post caught up with Br Tainga Moanriba, one of the two Brothers in Kiribati, to learn more about the initiative.
The Devastating Impact of Climate Change
While Kiribati's ocean territory covers an impressive 3.5 million square kilometres, making it one of the world's largest nations in terms of sea area, its land mass is among the smallest globally. The majority of its approximately 126,700 inhabitants reside on the narrow strips of land in its capital, Tarawa. Kiribati faces significant challenges due to climate change and rising sea levels, with many of its islands, including Tarawa, experiencing severe coastal erosion. The encroaching sea increasingly threatens the land, contaminating freshwater reserves, damaging crops, and causing flooding in residential areas.
Br Tainga, who was born and raised in Kiribati, says that the impacts of climate change have become increasingly apparent and disruptive the last few years. "Last year and the beginning of this year, we experienced excessive rainfall and severe erosion along our coastlines. Yet just two years ago, we were in the grip of a prolonged drought," he says.
The encroaching sea increasingly threatens the land, contaminating freshwater reserves, damaging crops, and causing flooding in residential areas.
Kiribati traditionally has two distinct seasons: the dry season (te Au Maiaki) from June to November, and the wet season (te Au Meang) from November to April. The highest rainfall typically occurs from January to March. But those historical norms no longer hold true, says Br Tainga. The residents of Kiribati, who rely heavily on agriculture, fishing, and other climate-sensitive livelihoods, have had to face the brunt of strange weather patterns.
Part of Tarawa Island.
It is not just the islanders who are sounding the alarm; the international community has also started to take notice. A report by The Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries, citing the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), indicates that sea levels are expected to rise by 0.44-0.76 meters by 2100. This rise could submerge more than 50 percent of Tarawa’s land, threatening over 60 percent of the island’s population.
The residents have courageously chosen to take action through an empowering initiative called Clean Green Blue.
Though the picturesque island nation lacks the resources to combat climate change effectively without external assistance, the residents have courageously chosen to take action through an empowering initiative called Clean Green Blue.
This initiative comprises environmental projects such as planting mangroves and native plants, constructing sea walls, and cleaning up plastic pollution. Additionally, it emphasises the importance of eco-friendly practices among children and youth, empowering them through school programs to become the next generation of eco-warriors.
Students at the St Louis High School in Kiribati.
Practical Solutions Rooted in Indigenous Wisdom
"Mangrove planting is imperative; they act as natural barriers against coastal erosion by stabilising the shoreline with their extensive root systems," explains Br Tainga. "The trees also help to trap sediment, which can build up land over time and potentially keep pace with sea-level rise. They also provide habitat for fish and other marine life, supporting our local ecosystems."
To date, the Marist community in Kiribati has planted over 300 mangroves.
To date, the Marist community in Kiribati has planted over 300 mangroves. However, some may not survive due to factors such as algae growth, and unsuitable sand conditions. Additionally, fishing boats sometimes inadvertently damage the plants during high tide.
The volunteers have also been building seawalls for many years. A seawall is a structure built along coastlines to safeguard it against erosion and flooding resulting from storm surges. "The island's coastline is extensively protected by seawalls, a significant portion of which have been constructed by local residents using rocks from coral reefs," says Br Tainga.
The seawall near the Brothers' house was built in 1983.
"People have stacked the rocks and cemented them together. However, in recent years, more modern defenses have been implemented, like concrete-filled sandbags, as a more durable solution."
We are fighting hard, but the challenge is immense, especially considering that most of our islands are less than two meters above sea level.
The seawalls are long-lasting; the one near the Brothers' house was built in 1983 and still stands today. However, Br Tainga cautions, "We must recognise that seawalls are not a perfect solution. They can provide a false sense of security, and traditional 'hard' engineering approaches like concrete seawalls can have negative impacts on natural habitats."
"We are fighting hard, but the challenge is immense, especially considering that most of our islands are less than two meters above sea level. Our traditional ways of adapting to environmental changes are being pushed to their limits, and we're now forced to look for more modern, engineered solutions to protect our homes and our future."
'Come and See' participants planting mangroves.
These environmentally conscious activities are an integral part of the Marist formation programs as well. Recently, during a 'Come and See' program – where aspiring Brothers live with Marist Brothers for a week to learn about Marist life – participants took part in a mangrove planting activity.
Creating Next-Gen Eco-Warriors
Along with mangrove planting and building seawalls, the group regularly engages in planting native trees that have cultural significance and practical uses, such as Noni trees, whose fruit provides nutritious juice; Coconut palms, which are used in their entirety - the wood, leaves, and fruit; Pandanus trees, with leaves used for roofing and edible fruit; and of course Mangroves, which not only prevent coastal erosion but also provide fish breeding grounds and have medicinal uses, such as soothing sore throats with their bark.
The team undertakes planting of native trees and collecting plastic waste.
Plastic pollution has also been causing significant environmental damage in this small island nation, and the group has been trying to implement eco-friendly practices in schools.
In the Marist school, St Louis High, climate change and environmental topics have been incorporated into science and social studies curricula, and students are being taught environmental stewardship from a young age. "The students form groups and collectively undertake activities like planting trees and collecting plastic waste," says Br Tainga. "They place the waste in a 'Green Bag' – a local initiative involving custom-made biodegradable garbage bags that authorities collect and dispose of safely."
The students form groups and collect plastic waste, placing them in a 'Green Bag.'
A young student places plastic waste in a 'Green Bag.'
A clarion call
Currently in Kiribati, there are two Brothers, Br Tainga and Br Amberoti Nantei. "Br Amberoti is working full-time as a teacher in the school, and I oversee the community projects and support groups we have established, such as the spirituality and ecology committee, which drives our green initiatives," Br Tainga adds.
A core group of around 12 committed Marists has been instrumental in getting the initiative off the ground, led by former Marist sister Kateia Kaikai.
The Marists here have been practicing environmental stewardship for years but didn't have a name for it until Kateia proposed to name their activities Clean Green Blue.
The "Green" denotes the activity of planting trees and mangroves, while the "Blue" represents work done to keep the deep blue ocean that surrounds the island clean from plastic pollution.
"The incorporation of the word 'Blue' was important and meaningful. For us islanders, the sea is inextricably linked to life itself, providing food, means of transportation, and a cultural identity. And it is our traditional belief that the sea is the source of life. We must protect it," says Br Tainga.
Therefore, the term Clean Green Blue is more than a clarion call to protect the island; it is also a means to honour the ancient indigenous wisdom and the spiritual bond the residents have with the land and the water.
The picturesque island.
As climate change accelerates its impact on low-lying Pacific islands, initiatives like Clean Green Blue, deeply rooted in indigenous values and spirituality, are proving to be vital for building community resilience. More than just environmental projects, they represent a cultural revival and a bridge between traditional wisdom and modern challenges, while encouraging the younger generation to fight for the island they call home.
Written by Gayatri Nair
Pic courtesy: Br Tainga Moanriba
Comments