ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS 

The National Economic Planning Office (NEPO), operating under Kiribati's Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MFED), plays a pivotal role in integrating environmental considerations into national economic planning. NEPO is responsible for formulating and implementing the National Development Strategy (NDS), which serves as the policy and public expenditure framework aimed at achieving sustained economic growth per person.

In its efforts to align development with environmental sustainability, NEPO collaborates with various ministries and stakeholders to ensure that environmental policies and projects are incorporated into the broader economic planning process. This includes appraising development proposals for their environmental impact and ensuring they conform to national priorities as set out in the NDS.

NEPO also emphasizes the importance of integrating recurrent and capital budgets, focusing on outputs rather than inputs, and improving accountability by clarifying the responsibilities of ministry secretaries for expenditure and performance. These measures are designed to bring expenditure in line with national priorities, including environmental sustainability. 

Through these initiatives, NEPO ensures that environmental considerations are not only acknowledged but are integral to the nation's economic development strategies, promoting a balanced approach to growth that safeguards Kiribati's natural resources for future generations.