Another successful Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) mission on Butaritari island was carried out from 26th April 2026 to 6th May 2026. Butaritari island is now the 7th island that the committee has visited to support the island’s marine spatial plan which has now been completed and has mapped out significant marine areas on the island. At the end of the mission and the vision was clear: “Unity in supporting Marine Spatial Planning for Butaritari through innovative methodologies and policies that strengthen legislation for safeguarding marine life for resilient livelihood, preserve and protect cultural heritage and sustainable developments in Butaritari.”

The members of the committee that successfully contributed to this mission are:

- 1 representative from Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK-MTCIC)

- 1 representative from Environment Conservation Division (ECD-MELAD)

- 2 representatives from Land Management Division (LMD-MELAD)

- 1 representative from National Statistics Office (NSO-MTCIC)

- 1 representative from Culture and Museum Division (CMD-MCIA)

- 2 representatives from Community-Based Fisheries Unit (CBFM-CFD-MFOR)

- 5 representatives from Geoscience Division (GSD-MFOR)

At last, other activities from the committee members involved with the marine space that were supported and completed during the mission and helped strengthen coordination within the committee included:

Drone flying and capturing high resolution and up-to-date aerial photos of Butaritari island

- Mangrove planting with youths and the community

- Land survey at Butaritari terminal

- Cultural mapping

- School vist at St Leo College

The committee expresses its gratitude to MFAT for funding this valuable mission and for supporting marine spatial planning as a tool to ensure coordination of marine activities for a better managed ocean and sustainable marine resources.

The committee extends its sincere appreciation to the Mayor and Island Clerk of Butaritari, all members of the Full Council including representatives from the youth, elders, and women groups, and the people of Butaritari for their active engagement, keen interest, and valuable contributions throughout the mission. Their strong participation greatly strengthened the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) process and reflected the island’s commitment to sustainable marine management, cultural heritage, and future development aspirations.

The committee also acknowledges Butaritari’s strong and active marine resource management under the Community-Based Fisheries Management (CBFM) programme, which complements the MSP process through shared goals of sustainable resource use, ecosystem protection, local stewardship, and resilient livelihoods.