The Kiribati Marine Spatial Planning Coordinating Committee (KMSPCC) has successfully completed nearly two weeks of Open Water Scuba Dive training with selected committee members from key government ministries and divisions. 

The training program began with theoretical sessions on dive knowledge and safety procedures, followed by practical in-water exercises and assessments. Through the successful completion of this training, committee members have strengthened their technical capacity in open water dive operations, underwater observation, and marine data collection. 

These newly developed skills as certified Open Water Scuba Divers are highly important in supporting Marine Spatial Planning implementation in Kiribati, particularly in marine monitoring, environmental assessments, resource management, and ecosystem conservation. The training will further enhance the committee’s ability to conduct field-based monitoring activities that contribute towards protecting and sustaining Kiribati’s marine resources for current and future generations. 

Participating committee members included: 

• 2 representatives from the Marine Division within the Ministry of Information, Communication and Transport (MD-MICT) 

• 1 representative from the Tourism Authority of Kiribati within the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry Cooperatives (TAK-MTCIC) 

• 1 representative from the Environment and Conservation Division within the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development (ECD-MELAD) 

• 1 representative from the Media Division within the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MD-MFOR) 

• 1 representative from the Geoscience Division within the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (GSD-MFOR) 

• 2 representatives from the Marine Spatial Planning Project within the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (GSD-MFOR) 

The Committee expresses its sincere gratitude to MFAT for financially supporting this important and intensive capacity-building initiative and for recognizing the importance of strengthening local technical expertise to support the implementation of ocean-related frameworks and sustainable marine resource management in Kiribati. 

The Committee also acknowledges the valuable support provided by the PADI Instructor and Dive Masters from Kiribati, on behalf of the PADI community, for their dedication and guidance throughout the training. 

Finally, the Committee extends its appreciation to the Secretariat of the KMSPCC for the in-kind support and resource assistance provided to ensure the successful delivery of the training program. 

Sincere thanks to MFAT and MSP for empowering capacity-building and supporting sustainable marine stewardship.