Written by MFOR Media on 03 January 2025.
Honourable Minister Ribanataake Tiwau emphasized the importance of respecting each other, during the launching celebration of the new Ministry name - Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR), its new Ministry Strategic Plan 2024-2028 and the brand new CPPL pilot boat Bwebwenmarawa No 1. To improve is to change, and to be perfect is to change often. This is a famous quote that bodes well with the purpose of the celebration. The MFOR family were briefed on the rationale behind the name change as well as the vision and key result areas of the MFOR Strategic Plan which will set the direction for the journey of the MFOR for the next 4 years. MFOR acknowledges development partners such as MFAT and the EU who sponsored the work of the MFOR Strategic Plan 2024-2028; and all SOE/JV Companies and all staff of MFOR for the collective contributions that makes the celebration a successful one.
The 2nd cohort of the US Pacific Institute Rising Leaders Fellowship program recently ended last week. The program invited 33 mid-career leaders from the Pacific Islands to Washington, DC, for a 3-week program to develop leadership skills and deepen of knowledge and understanding of contemporary international issues. The program started from the 30th of September to the 18th of October 2024, hosted by John Hopkins University School of Advanced International School (SAIS) in Washington, DC. Through this fellowship, fellows learned about the various skills related to leadership skills and strategic planning, including effective public speaking, communications, data-driven decisions, and discussions around the contemporary issues facing Pacific countries. It is also an opportunity to exchange knowledge and build networking among fellows from the US departments, SAIS, and future leaders through this program's PICs. The fellows from Kiribati also participated in the program, with an officer of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development and a rep from Digital Kiribati, an NGO, represented at the fellowship. 'It is a privilege to participate in this fellowship, with skills learned could be useful in my work, moreover the build of contacts for future development initiatives,' Ms. Eria, Director of PDD, MFMRD commended on the program for future fellows interested in applying. Words of gratitude to the US Government through the US Department of State and the Johns Hopkins University (SAIS) for this opportunity.
Written by MFOR Media on 19 November 2024.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development (MFMRD) witnessed a transformative moment as Minister Ribanataake Tiwau began his tenure with the unveiling of several groundbreaking initiatives. The launch event, held to mark this milestone, introduced a suite of tools and resources aimed at enhancing the Ministry’s efficiency and service delivery.
Minister Ribanataake inaugurated six key innovations during the event:
Highlighting the significance of these developments, Minister Ribanataake stated, “Actions speak louder than words.” He emphasized that these tools demonstrate tangible progress and are essential for serving the people of Kiribati and supporting the country’s future growth.
The launch event was also a moment of celebration for Minister Ribanataake and his wife, recognizing their victory as Member of Parliament for Nikunau Is constituency and his reappointment as Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Development.
The reception was a collaborative effort hosted by Ministry staff and affiliated companies. It brought together an esteemed gathering, including the Chairpersons and Board Directors of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and Joint Venture Companies, as well as CEOs, Directors, and MFMRD staff.
The Ministry expressed gratitude to its valued partners—the European Union, the World Bank, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), and the Government of Kiribati—for their financial support in making these innovations possible.
This remarkable launch underscores the Ministry's commitment to innovation and progress, paving the way for more efficient services and a brighter future for Kiribati.
Written by MFOR Media on 25 October 2024.
Two staff members from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development (MFMRD) in Kiribati recently had the valuable opportunity to participate in the 2024 "Belt and Road" International Training Workshop on Mariculture Technologies. The workshop, held in Qingdao, China, from October 22 to November 5, was an intensive training program aimed at enhancing participants’ knowledge and skills in mariculture, one of the most vital sectors for sustainable fisheries and marine resource development.
The event was organized by the prestigious Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute in collaboration with key partners from the Chinese aquaculture sector. The workshop brought together experts and participants from around the world, offering a unique platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration on the latest advancements in mariculture technologies.
Over the two-week program, the Kiribati representatives, along with other international attendees, participated in a comprehensive curriculum that included a blend of lectures, hands-on training, and field visits to leading mariculture facilities. These sessions covered a wide range of aquaculture topics, including seaweed farming, fish breeding, sustainable aquaculture practices, and marine biodiversity conservation. The field visits allowed participants to see firsthand how these technologies and practices are implemented in real-world settings, providing valuable insights that they can apply back in their home countries.
The training workshop provided the Kiribati staff with cutting-edge knowledge in mariculture, which will be instrumental in enhancing the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development. Mariculture, or marine aquaculture, has become increasingly important for Kiribati, as it offers significant opportunities to diversify the country’s economy, enhance food security, and provide sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development expressed its gratitude for the generous funding and organizational support provided by the Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute and its partners, including ZHEJIANG OCEAN FAMILY CO., LTD. Their sponsorship made it possible for the Ministry’s staff to benefit from this high-level international training. This opportunity not only allowed the Kiribati representatives to enhance their technical expertise but also to establish valuable connections with international experts and institutions in the field of mariculture.
The Ministry looks forward to leveraging the knowledge and skills gained from the workshop to further develop the aquaculture sector in Kiribati. The expertise acquired will help the Ministry implement more effective and sustainable mariculture practices, contributing to the long-term conservation of marine resources and the development of resilient coastal communities in Kiribati.
As Kiribati continues to face environmental challenges, particularly those posed by climate change and ocean degradation, the adoption of advanced mariculture technologies represents a critical step towards achieving sustainable development. This workshop exemplifies the kind of international cooperation that can drive positive change in the fisheries sector, ensuring that marine resources are managed and utilized in ways that benefit both the environment and the people who depend on them.
In conclusion, the participation of the Ministry’s staff in the 2024 "Belt and Road" International Training Workshop on Mariculture Technologies highlights Kiribati’s ongoing commitment to improving its fisheries and aquaculture practices. Through international collaboration and the support of key partners like the Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute and ZHEJIANG OCEAN FAMILY CO., LTD., Kiribati is making strides toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for its marine resources and coastal communities.
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