Written by MFOR Media on 31 March 2025.
Two staff from the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (Coastal Fisheries Division) and two from the UN FAO Ridge to Reef Project travelled to Butaritari for a two-week post-harvest training on making seaweed ice cream and tuna jerky. This training helps communities add value to marine resources for both household needs and business opportunities while promoting biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Facilitators are reaching every village on the island and will return next week. Ko rabwa UN FAO Ridge to Reef Project (GEF 5 STAR) for sponsoring this initiative from start to finish!
Written by MFOR Media on 18 March 2025.
The CBFM (Nei Tengarengare) team attended the Pathways Annual Reflection Meeting at ANCORS, University of Wollongong in Australia, alongside representatives from Kiribati, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. The meeting reviewed 2024's progress and shared insights to strengthen CBFM initiatives. The final two days featured a co-design workshop, refined priorities for the next five years, reinforcing commitments to food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience. Collaboration within Coastal Fisheries Divisions remains important in ensuring that communities receive the necessary support for sustainable fisheries management as well as reaching the Ministry’s goal in ensuring a dynamic and sustainable ocean development opportunities for current and future generations of I-Kiribati. We sincerely thank the Australian Government, DFAT, and ACIAR for over 10 years of support in strengthening community-based fisheries management in Kiribati.
Written by MFOR Media on 17 March 2025.
Taking one step forward, Marawa Research and Exploration Limited had their first bilateral talk with His Excellency Ambassador Zhou from the Chinese Embassy to Kiribati on the 13th of March, 2025. The talk provides an exciting opportunity to explore potential collaboration for the sustainable exploration of the deep ocean resources in Kiribati. Marawa Research and Exploration Limited is a State Owned Enterprise established to explore potential opportunities of the deep ocean resources beyond national jurisdiction for the people of Kiribati.
On March 15, 2025, Hon. Minister Ribanataake Tiwau, together with the Mayors and Chairmen of communities from Abaiang and North Tarawa, jointly signed and endorsed six Community Based Fisheries Management Plans for Ribono and Nuotaea from Abaiang Island, as well as Buariki, Tabonibara, Tearinibai, and Nuatabu from North Tarawa, marking a key step in protecting coastal marine resources. This signing allows these communities to enforce sustainable management practices. The event was witnessed by the Australian High Commissioner, Minister for MCIA Hon. Harry Tekaiti, local mayors, community leaders and a few members of these communities. The MFOR expresses its deep gratitude for the continuous financial and technical support from the Australian government and the staff of the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) through the University of Wollongong. Hon. Ribanataake also extended his appreciation to all those who contributed to this achievement, including the Office of the Attorney General, staff from the University of Wollongong, the Pacific Community (SPC), and the World Bank (through PROP) for supporting this endorsement event, as well as the Abaiang and North Tarawa Island Councils, CBFM staff, and the Coastal Fisheries Division.
Page 7 of 28