From 20 to 23 October 2026, Denise.Hearn, an Aquaculture and Proposal Development Expert from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), visited Kiribati to gather information to support the development of future funding proposals. The visit aimed to ensure that proposed activities and priorities align with the needs, challenges, and opportunities identified through consultations with the Ministry and relevant stakeholders.
The visit included meetings with Deputy Secretary Teue Baikawara, staff of the MFOR Aquaculture Unit, Ridge to Reef (R2R) National Project Coordinator Rooti Tioti and his team, as well as engagements with Kiritimati Island Fish Limited (KIFL) and Atoll Beauty. These discussions provided an opportunity to identify existing gaps and challenges within the aquaculture sector particularly seaweed, exchange technical knowledge, explore areas for improvement, and discuss potential initiatives to support the sustainable development of seaweed aquaculture in Kiribati. MFOR extends its sincere appreciation to Denise for her visit, valuable contributions, and engagement with the Ministry and local stakeholders. The Ministry also expresses its gratitude to KIFL and Atoll Beauty for facilitating visits to their farms.