News

News updates from the Kiribati Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development.

Kiribati Joins Pacific GIS and Remote Sensing Conference to Explore Sustainable Coastal Management

Pacific GIS and Remote Sensing Council (PGRSC) conference is an annual event that brings together GIS and remote sensing professionals to share knowledge, discuss advancements, and foster collaborations for sustainable development. This year's conference, held at the University of the South Pacific's Laucala Campus in Suva from November 25–29, focused on the theme “Sustainable Management for Coastal Areas through Remote Sensing and GIS.
Kiribati participated in the conference through representatives from the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR), including the Lands Management Division and Marine Division, supported by sponsors such as PGRSC and New Zealand under the Phoenix Island Marine Spatial Planning Project. The program featured presentations showcasing innovative GIS applications, trends, and solutions, alongside opportunities for networking, workshops, and discussions aimed at exploring advancements in geospatial technologies for impactful community change. The event emphasized collaboration and the effective use of GIS to address challenges in coastal area management.
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Minister Tiwau Launches MFOR's New Name, Strategic Plan, and CPPL Pilot Boat: A Step Toward Progress and Collaboration

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.

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The 2nd cohort of the US Pacific Institute Rising Leaders Fellowship program

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. 

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Minister Ribanataake Tiwau Marks New Beginnings with Launch of Innovative MFMRD Products

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.

New Products and Tools for the Future

Minister Ribanataake inaugurated six key innovations during the event:

  1. Refurbished Ministry Website: A modernized platform designed to improve accessibility and communication with stakeholders.
  2. Project Dashboard: A centralized tool to monitor and manage all MFMRD projects efficiently.
  3. Te Baiku Ocean Database: A comprehensive digital resource for oceanographic and fisheries data.
  4. MFMRD ID Cards: These dual-purpose cards serve as digital business cards and attendance trackers.
  5. Customer Service Guide: A user-friendly manual to streamline interactions with the Ministry’s services.
  6. New Fleet: The addition of buses and double-cab vehicles to support operational logistics.

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.

Celebrating Leadership and Vision

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.

Acknowledgment of Key Partnerships

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.

A Step Toward Progress

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.

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