The Kiribati President Anote Tong has signed into law the act creating the world's largest marine protected area in the Phoenix islands..
The signing follows a motion passed in the last sitting of parliament on the initiative of the environment minister, Tetabo Nakara.
The Phoenix Islands Protected Area covers about half a million square kilometres and is managed by a Trust Fund.
The governing body to be established will comprise members from Kiribati and its overseas partners, including Conservation International and New England Aquarium.
Mr Nakara says the Phoenix Islands Protected Area is widely known as the largest marine protected area in the world.
He says his ministry is very keen for UNESCO to list the area among its World Heritage sites.