Written by MFMRD 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 MFMRD 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.
Written by MFMRD Media on 10 September 2024.
A team from the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) Seaweed Research Group in Australia, led by Professor Nicholas Paul, recently met with Secretary Riibeta Abeta and senior officials from the Coastal Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resource Development (MFMRD) in Kiribati. The meeting was a significant step towards fostering sustainable seaweed farming, processing, and marketing opportunities that could benefit both local and international markets.
The visit by the UniSC Seaweed Research Group builds on previous research initiatives aimed at exploring the potential of seaweed as a sustainable resource. The discussion focused on identifying and developing viable opportunities for seaweed farming, processing (including value-adding), and marketing within Kiribati’s supply chain and beyond. With global demand for seaweed products on the rise, this collaboration seeks to position Kiribati as a potential hub for sustainable seaweed production.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in seaweed farming and processing, ensuring that these ventures do not harm the marine environment but instead support the economic and environmental goals of Kiribati. The emphasis on sustainability is crucial, given the country’s unique ecological challenges and the need to balance economic development with environmental preservation.
This collaborative effort is made possible through the support of UniSC Australia, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Canada, and the Government of Kiribati. Their combined efforts aim to drive innovation in seaweed production and create economic opportunities for local communities while contributing to the global supply chain.
As Kiribati explores these new avenues for economic growth, the partnership between the UniSC Seaweed Research Group and the MFMRD signifies a promising step forward in leveraging seaweed's potential as a sustainable resource. The continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing among these institutions hold great promise for developing a thriving and sustainable seaweed industry in Kiribati.
Written by MFMRD Media on 09 September 2024.
The development of a project dashboard is one of the significant milestones the Ministry aims to achieve this year. In line with this goal, a dedicated three-day retreat will be held this week from Friday to Sunday at North Tarawa in Buariki. This retreat will bring together the project planning team, supported by the Ministry's ICT personnel, to collaboratively design and develop the dashboard platform.
The retreat offers an invaluable opportunity for the team to engage in focused discussions and constructive planning sessions. The enthusiasm among the team members is palpable as they prepare to work diligently on the design and content of this platform. Their dedication is evident in their commitment to creating a tool that will provide comprehensive data on project statuses, gender-disaggregated data in the fisheries sector, and enhance overall project visibility.
The Ministry also extends its heartfelt gratitude to the European Union (EU) for its invaluable support in this endeavor. The collaboration and assistance from the EU play a critical role in the development of this platform, which will serve as an essential resource for monitoring project progress and promoting data-driven decision-making.
As the Ministry moves forward with this initiative, the successful development of the project dashboard is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and transparency of project management, further supporting the Ministry's broader goals and objectives.
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