The purpose of this Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) is to Assist the Marshall Islands to Plan for the Conservation of its biodiversity and for in the sustainable use of its biological resources. This is the first time that such a strategy and action plan has been formulated for the country. It provides an opportunity for the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to integrate principles of sustainable resource management and biodiversity conservation into the national development planning processes. As the Marshall Islands is heavily dependent on its natural resources, and its people have a close relationship with their biodiversity, the need for integration is very important. Sustainable development in the Marshall Islands is conditional upon the conservation of its biodiversity and sustainable management of its natural resources.