Kiribati, an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, heavily relies on fisheries as a vital resource for food security, livelihoods, and cultural identity.

Overfishing, climate change impacts, and unsustainable practices have threatened marine resources, prompting the need for effective management

The Costal Fisheries regulation 2019 and Fisheries Act support for community-based fisheries management to manage fisheries resources at the community level.

Regional level – New Song, Noumea Strategy (SPC 2015) and Pacific framework for scaling up CBFM 2021-2025

These framework and policies are emphasizing community involvement, recognizing the traditional knowledge and practices of local communities..

Community Ownership: Communities develop their management plan to manage their marine resources.

Co-Management Approaches: Collaborative partnerships between communities, government agencies such as MELAD, Tourism and MOE are common.

Traditional Knowledge Integration: CBFM integrates traditional ecological knowledge with scientific data to inform decision-making.

Regulatory Measures: These include seasonal closures, restricted areas, and limits on fishing gear and catch sizes to ensure sustainable practices.

Improved fishery sustainability, increased community engagement and empowerment, and enhanced resilience to environmental changes.

Since 2014, over 60 communities across 11 islands have been engaged in Community-Based Fisheries Management (CBFM), with more communities requesting to join

6 women association established to join in the management and conservation of marine resources

Kuuma MPA: Community closed areas where bonefish spawn to allow bonefish stocks to recover. The closing only during the spawning season

Partnerships: Collaborative efforts with international organizations to support capacity building, research, and funding for CBFM initiatives.