From 3–10 November 2025, a 10-member team from the Kiribati Marine Spatial Planning Coordinating Committee (KMSPCC), led by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR), visited Kiritimati Island under the CAB-SMART Phoenix Islands Marine Spatial Planning Project, proudly supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

The mission aimed to conduct stakeholder and community consultations on Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and facilitate a stakeholder review of the draft National Ocean Policy

A successful workshop on 4 November brought together Government agencies, SOEs, NGOs, and private sector operators to discuss the MSP process, governance, and shared ocean use. From 5–7 November, the team visited London, Tabwakea, Banana, and Poland Villages, engaging communities through participatory mapping and discussions on sustainable ocean management, livelihoods, and cultural values.

On 10 November, stakeholders reconvened to review and align the draft National Ocean Policy with emerging MSP frameworks across Kiribati.

MFOR sincerely acknowledges the collaboration, technical input, and strong commitment shown by all partners throughout the mission.