Written by MFOR Media on 26 May 2025.
The new MFOR maneaba (meeting house) was inaugurated by the Honourable Minister Ribanataake Tiwau from the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, the Honourable Minister Tekeeua Tarati from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy, the Honourable Minister Martin Moreti from the Ministry of Justice and their good spouses; on the Saturday, 24 May 2025 at the Fisheries compound in Tanaea. Other important stakeholders were also invited to witness this opening ceremony. The new name of the maneaba, called Tobwaan Marawa maneaba (meaning Nurturing the Ocean) was also unveiled and announced for the first time during this special occassion. This name was the winner of the naming competition posed to the public. The maneaba is an important cultural identity of all I-Kiribati, as its a space for making decisions and celebration of important events. The name Tobwaan Marawa speaks to the same principle of providing a space for MFOR to host important discussions pertaining to managing and sustainably developing Kiribati vast ocean resources for the present and future generations. The maneaba can also be used by other Government stakeholders and communities of Tarawa to convene their meetings and functions. The Government of Kiribati acknowledged the EU for their financial assistance for this project, the contractors for their tireless efforts in building this new maneaba, MISE for their supervision and everyone involved in the successful completion of this project.
Members of the Kiribati Marine Spatial Planning Coordinating Committee (KMSPCC) gathered for a one-day retreat today, 24 May 2025, to progress efforts under the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework. The retreat brought together key stakeholders of the Committee to collaboratively develop a workplan and logistics for upcoming national MSP consultations. This strategic session focused on enhancing coordination, reducing potential marine-use conflicts, and supporting sustainable management of marine zones, including those for tourism, conservation, and fishing. The aim is to build a shared understanding among islands on the significance of MSP in shaping Kiribati’s ocean future. Outcomes from the retreat will be reported to the Kiribati National Ocean Steering Committee for review and further guidance. Thanks to the World Bank for funding this retreat through the Pacific Regional Oceanscape Project (PROP), facilitated by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources.
Written by MFOR Media on 23 May 2025.
The Honourable Minister Ribanataake Tiwau, Secretary Riibeta Abeta and their Kiribati delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy General Manager Liang Yong and his team from the China National Fisheries Corporation (CNFC), the China State owned fisheries company at the regional office in Shenzhen city. CNFC has operations expanded beyond fisheries including trading, fuels, scientific innovations, and many more. The two delegations explored and exchanged areas of mutual interests for future cooperation. CNFC boats has also been involved in rescuing several I-Kiribati fishermen drifted away at sea in the Pacific region. The Government of Kiribati acknowledged CNFC for their interests to support Kiribati in our future visions.
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