On Friday, 12 September 2025, a historic and significant milestone was marked on Beru Island with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Beru Island Council and the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) for the development of solar salt production, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable development, promoting and local economic growth. The MOU was signed by the Mayor of Beru, Mr Tetabo Nakara and the Deputy Secretary of MFOR. The signing celebration was witnessed by solar salt farmers from Autukia Village, Councillors, MFOR delegation and few staff of Beru Island Council. In his remarks, the Mayor acknowledged and showed his appreciation for Government’s support through MFOR for recognising and supporting this island’s unique natural resource in their development plan. He further stressed that the development of this natural resource has long been a priority, and that today’s signing signifies the formal commencement of the solar salt production project on Beru.

Two solar salts farm have been earmarked for this Project, Nein Man at Autukia Village and Nein Tabuariki at Taboiaki Village. The project already started with Nein Man and had been producing 800kg salt since Jan 2025 and will also extend to Nein Tabuariki.

Next week another team from MFOR and accompanied by MTCIC staff will visit Beru to discuss an appropriate business model, along with training on packaging, proper handling and quality standards for this project.

This project is fully supported by the World Bank through the Pacific Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP) which is managed by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources.