Geoscience Division representatives and OIC Deputy Secretary were pleased to host a courtesy meeting on Friday, 5th June 2026 with representatives from Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ) and the Pacific Community (SPC) for discussions on their mission with Kiribati Marine Spatial Planning Coordinating Committee (KMSPCC). This discussion was built on previous collaborations and aims to strengthen the connection between national MSP objectives, scientific modelling, evidence-based planning, and data governance arrangements. 

Through the CabSMART MC4 Programme, SPC continues to support the development of MSP data governance frameworks that enhance data sharing, custodianship, and access to support sustainable marine management. 

At the same time, ESNZ is supporting key stages of the MSP process, including the identification of Special and Unique Marine Areas (SUMAs), development of ocean zoning options, and mapping of baseline and future scenarios to guide informed decision-making.

Timely to World Ocean Day week and a 4 days workshop was conducted from Monday, 8th June to Thursday, 11th June 2026. The workshop strengthened the technical, governance, and analytical foundations needed to support a nationally led and effective Marine Spatial Planning process for Kiribati through consultation on data governance and hands-on training on a new modelling tool to develop different scenarios using available data. The data that will feed into this new tool called ShinyPlanR will be very useful for decision-making as the committee works towards the restructuring of Phoenix Island Protected Area to Phoenix Island Marine Spatial Planning.

We express our gratitude to Miss MFOR for delivering her open remarks emphasizing the link between this year’s Independence Day theme on “Sustainable momentum for a Resilient Future” with the workshop objectives which, “reminds us that the actions and decisions that we make today must continue to build lasting progress that strengthens the resilience of our people, communities, and environment”. We also acknowledge MFAT, our partners from ESNZ and SPC and the KMSPCC members for their continuous support and commitment to MSP work in Kiribati.