Kiribati is embarking on a journey to formulate its National Ocean Policy, with the aim of completing and launching one this year 2025. National Ocean Policy is central to improving better ocean governance, addressing existing gaps, streamlining processes crucial to advancing Kiribati’s objective of maximing more benefits from our ocean, whilst ensuring sustainability and social benefits.

The initial consultation on discussing the proposed way forward for the formulation of a national ocean policy was conducted today at the Ocean Family, Bairiki; and attended by core stakeholders such as the Office of Te Beretitenti (OB), Office of the Attorney General (OAG), Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development (MELAD) and the Ministry of Information, Communication and Transport (MICT). More sector will be included in the next series of consultation.

MFOR Secretary Riibeta Abeta stressed to stakeholders the importance of working together to create more opportunities and benefits from our ocean resources, through a fit-for-purpose and accommodative national ocean policy that is agreed, supported and shaped by our key sectors. The MFOR acknowledged the MFAT funded Phoenix Island Marine Spatial Planning Project for the assistance provided to this process.