Written by MFOR Media on 25 October 2024.
Today, Kiribati commemorated United Nations (UN) Day with a vibrant event at Te Kainga Mweneaba in Ambo, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to strengthen partnerships aimed at advancing the nation's development goals. The celebration marked a significant occasion where representatives from UN bodies, donor partners, government officials, and local communities gathered to reflect on the progress made, explore new avenues of cooperation, and showcase ongoing projects that promote sustainability and resilience in Kiribati.
UN Day, observed annually on October 24th, celebrates the anniversary of the UN Charter's coming into effect in 1945, symbolizing the power of international cooperation and multilateralism. In Kiribati, the day serves as an important reminder of the ongoing collaboration between the UN and the government in addressing critical challenges, particularly those related to climate change, sustainable development, and marine resource management.
At this year’s event, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development (MFMRD) played a pivotal role by highlighting several key projects that are currently underway, thanks to the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). These initiatives reflect the shared commitment between Kiribati and its international partners to promote sustainable development while addressing the unique challenges faced by the island nation, especially in the context of climate change and ocean conservation.
One of the main projects showcased was the Mariculture Project, which focuses on promoting seaweed farming as a sustainable source of income for local communities. Seaweed farming has emerged as a highly viable option for many I-Kiribati, offering both economic benefits and environmental advantages. As a climate-friendly crop, seaweed requires no freshwater or fertilizer to grow, and it helps absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to climate change mitigation. The project not only boosts the livelihoods of local farmers but also aligns with Kiribati's broader goal of enhancing food security and reducing dependence on imported goods.
Another notable initiative presented by MFMRD was the Resilience Islands Resilient Communities project, a program designed to help island communities adapt to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. Given Kiribati’s geographical vulnerability to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changing oceanic conditions, building resilience at the community level is critical. The project focuses on empowering communities with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to respond effectively to environmental challenges. This includes capacity-building activities, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing disaster preparedness, ensuring that communities can continue to thrive even in the face of adversity.
Additionally, the Small-Scale Coastal Vessel for Small Island Developing States (SCV4SIDS) initiative was another highlight at the event. This program, also supported by FAO, aims to provide small island nations like Kiribati with efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly vessels for use in coastal and inter-island transportation. In a country where the ocean is central to both livelihoods and connectivity, the development of safe, cost-effective, and climate-resilient maritime transportation systems is essential. The SCV4SIDS project is an important step towards addressing this need, while also supporting the sustainable management of marine resources and enhancing the resilience of local communities that rely heavily on the sea for their daily lives.
The event underscored the importance of these ongoing projects in contributing to Kiribati’s development and sustainability efforts. It also highlighted the role of international cooperation, particularly with the UN and donor partners, in ensuring the successful implementation of such initiatives. Throughout the day, participants engaged in discussions aimed at identifying new opportunities for collaboration and addressing the challenges that lie ahead, particularly in the areas of climate resilience, food security, and sustainable resource management.
In his remarks, a representative of MFMRD emphasized the significance of these projects in supporting the government's vision for a more sustainable and resilient Kiribati. "These initiatives are more than just projects; they are building blocks for the future of our nation. They not only provide immediate benefits to our communities but also lay the foundation for long-term sustainability and self-reliance," he said. "With the continued support of our international partners, we can ensure that Kiribati remains resilient in the face of global challenges, particularly those posed by climate change."
The UN and its partner organizations reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Kiribati's development goals. They acknowledged the progress made so far and expressed their readiness to continue working with the government and local stakeholders to address key issues such as marine conservation, climate adaptation, and economic diversification. Donor partners, including the FAO, commended the Ministry's efforts to advance sustainable development through innovative projects that empower local communities while protecting the environment.
The event concluded with a celebratory gathering, honoring the collective efforts and achievements of all those involved in advancing Kiribati’s development and resilience. Traditional performances, cultural displays, and speeches from key stakeholders reinforced the sense of unity and shared purpose that underpinned the day's activities. The celebration not only recognized the successes achieved so far but also set the stage for continued collaboration and progress in the years to come.
In summary, Kiribati's UN Day celebration at Te Kainga Mweneaba was a powerful demonstration of the nation’s commitment to sustainable development, marine conservation, and community resilience. The event highlighted the critical role of international partnerships in supporting Kiribati’s journey toward a more sustainable and prosperous future. As the country continues to face the challenges posed by climate change and economic constraints, the projects spearheaded by MFMRD and supported by the FAO serve as beacons of hope, demonstrating that with the right support and collaboration, meaningful progress can be made for the benefit of all I-Kiribati.
Punctuality and efficiency are crucial in any workplace, especially in sectors where operations need to follow a well-structured plan. A key factor in ensuring both is reliable and comfortable transportation for staff. Recognizing this, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development (MFMRD) has taken an important step toward improving its transport services.
As many of the Ministry's current vehicles are aging and several buses are out of service, the need for new and dependable transportation has become a priority. Today, MFMRD proudly announced the signing of a contract with King Holdings Limited. This agreement ensures the provision of four brand-new vehicles—two buses and two double-cab trucks—by late 2024 or early January 2025.
These new vehicles will not only support the Ministry's functions but also provide greater comfort and safety for staff members commuting to work and delivering essential services to the public. The acquisition aims to boost the overall efficiency and morale of the team, enabling them to perform at their best.
The contract was awarded to King Holdings Limited after a competitive and transparent bidding process. The MFMRD congratulates King Holdings Limited for successfully securing the contract. The Ministry also extends its gratitude to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MFED) for their continued support and acknowledges the other bidders for their interest in the project.
With these new vehicles on the way, the MFMRD looks forward to enhanced service delivery and improved transportation for its dedicated workforce.
Written by MFOR Media on 21 October 2024.
In a long-awaited and highly anticipated development, the construction of the new Maneaba for the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development (MFMRD) is officially underway. Today, the groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Fisheries grounds in Tanaea, marking the start of a project that promises to deliver a larger and more impressive maneaba for the community.
The ceremony was led by the Honorable Minister Ribanataake Tiwau, accompanied by local elder Unimwane Tooma, who together performed traditional rituals to bless the site. The event was also attended by key contractors, including suppliers and construction companies, who formalized their involvement in the project by signing contracts on the sidelines of the ceremony.
In his address, Minister Ribanataake emphasized the importance of honoring Kiribati’s cultural values and traditions throughout the project. He highlighted that the new maneaba will serve as a vital gathering space not just for MFMRD staff, but also for the public and various stakeholders who may wish to use the facility in the future.
The MFMRD extended its heartfelt thanks to the European Union (EU) for its financial assistance, acknowledging that without this support, the project would not have been possible. The new maneaba is set to become a cornerstone for community engagement, cultural events, and official meetings, reflecting both modern development and deep-rooted Kiribati traditions.
As the construction begins, the community eagerly awaits the completion of this important project, which is expected to strengthen the ministry’s connection to the people and reinforce the importance of tradition in all aspects of service.
Written by MFOR Media on 23 September 2024.
Officials and observers from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development, Kiribati, recently took part in a specialized training program aimed at enhancing the observer programs of Pacific Island nations. The "Capacity Building Project to Activate the Observer Program in Pacific Island Countries" was hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea and organized by the Korea Fisheries Resources Agency (FIRA). The program ran from August 25 to September 14, 2024, in the coastal city of Busan, South Korea.
The training program was conducted in two phases. The first phase, held from August 25 to August 31, 2024, was dedicated to policy-making lectures and designed exclusively for officials. This phase focused on providing in-depth insights into fisheries management policies and equipping officials with the knowledge to make informed decisions on strengthening their respective observer programs.
The second phase, from September 1 to September 14, 2024, included both officials and observers, focusing on practical applications and field training. Participants had the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities, learning best practices in fisheries management and sustainability, which are crucial for the effective monitoring of marine resources.
A total of six officials from the Oceanic Division and eight observers from Kiribati participated in the program. Their involvement underscores the country’s commitment to bolstering its capacity to manage its vast marine resources. Kiribati, along with other participating nations such as Tuvalu, Tonga, and Samoa, aims to improve its observer program, which plays a critical role in sustainable fisheries management across the region.
The observer program is vital for monitoring fishing activities, ensuring compliance with international fisheries regulations, and promoting sustainability in the Pacific Ocean. The training in Korea is part of ongoing regional efforts to empower Pacific Island nations with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard their marine ecosystems and ensure the long-term viability of their fisheries industries.
By participating in this project, Kiribati continues to strengthen its role in regional fisheries management, demonstrating its dedication to protecting the marine environment while promoting economic growth through sustainable fishing practices.
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