Written by MFOR Media on 23 June 2026.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) is pleased to acknowledge the participation of two members of the Kiribati Marine Spatial Planning Coordinating Committee (KMSPCC) in the Regional Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) Leadership Programme coordinated by the Pacific Community (SPC).
Representing Kiribati in the programme are:
🔹 Ms. Kabure Takaria, Deputy Director, Environment and Conservation Division, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development (MELAD)
🔹 Mr. Kaiea R. Awira, Project Manager, Phoenix Islands Marine Spatial Planning Project (CAB-SMART)
The four-month Regional MSP Leadership Programme brings together marine spatial planning practitioners from across the Pacific to strengthen leadership skills, enhance collaboration, and build the capacity needed to support effective ocean governance and sustainable marine resource management. The programme combines face-to-face learning, online coaching, webinars, and peer-to-peer engagement.
The participants recently completed the first face-to-face workshop held in Brisbane, Australia, from 1–5 June 2026. The workshop provided an opportunity to strengthen leadership competencies, exchange experiences, and build professional networks with MSP practitioners from across the Pacific region.
The programme will continue through a series of online coaching sessions and leadership webinars over the coming months before concluding with a second face-to-face workshop in Brisbane in September 2026.
MFOR congratulates Ms. Kabure Takaria and Mr. Kaiea R. Awira on their participation and acknowledges the Pacific Community (SPC) for coordinating this important regional initiative. MFOR also extends its sincere appreciation to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) for its continued support and investment in strengthening Marine Spatial Planning capacity and ocean governance across the Pacific region.
The knowledge, skills, and regional networks gained through this programme will contribute to the ongoing implementation of the Kiribati Marine Spatial Planning process and support the sustainable management of Kiribati's ocean resources for current and future generations.
Written by MFOR Media on 19 June 2026.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) proudly marks a significant milestone with the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at its headquarters on a 18th June 2026. This agreement establishes a strong foundation for collaboration between the Ministry and Live & Learn Environmental Education Kiribati (LLEE), another Non-Government Organization in Kiribati focusing on key areas such as fisheries management, marine spatial planning, and conservation initiatives. The MoU was signed by the Secretary for Fisheries, Mr. Riibeta Abeta, and the Board Chairman for LLEE, Mr. Tamaroa Teebaki, representing a shared commitment to advancing sustainable ocean governance. The Ministry sincerely acknowledges the leadership and dedication of Live & Learn Environmental Education Kiribati and looks forward to strengthened partnerships with non-governmental organizations across Kiribati. Together, we aim to promote sustainable ocean use that safeguards marine resources while delivering lasting benefits for our communities and future generations.
The Government of Kiribati has convened the inaugural meeting of the Kiribati Blue Carbon Coordination Committee, on Thursday, 19 June 2026. This initiative aims to explore opportunities and assess the full range of benefits that blue carbon can offer—including contributions to ocean conservation, community empowerment, and the potential for sustainable revenue generation. The Committee comprises representatives from MELAD, MCIA, MFED, and MFOR. This marks a new and significant journey for the Government of Kiribati, which will work closely with regional and international partners already advancing this work. MFOR, serving as the interim Secretariat for the Committee, welcomes expressions of interest and support from partners committed to assisting Kiribati in delivering on this emerging national priority.
Written by MFOR Media on 17 June 2026.
The ISA–China Joint Training and Research Centre (JTRC) hosted a training workshop on “Cumulative Impact Assessment for Effective Protection of the Marine Environment in the Area: Methods, Case Studies, and Best Practices” from 27 May to 5 June 2026 in Sanya, China.
A participant from the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR), Kiribati, attended the workshop, which aimed to strengthen technical understanding of cumulative impact assessment methodologies, data-driven assessment approaches, environmental management, and deep-sea exploration technologies in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction
The programme also included a marine spatial planning MSP Challenge exercise, a dedicated session on the BBNJ Agreement, as well as site visits to regional centers of excellence research Sanya, alongside cultural exchange supporting networking and international collaboration and practical engagement.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) acknowledges the ISA–China Joint Training and Research Centre (JTRC) for providing this important capacity-building opportunity and supporting the strengthening of national capacity in marine environmental management in the Area.
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