Written by MFOR Media on 11 June 2025.
The Honourable Minister Ribanataake Tiwau challenged the international community to support the Pacific Island Countries with accelerated and innovative actions to support home grown solutions such as the PNA VDS, ENBI, NOW, Tripartite Initiative, Tuna transparency, and many others that are crucial for economic independence from their abundant fishery resources. This strong statement was delivered during the FFA & Niue co-sponsored side event held in the margin of the 3rd UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France. This high level side event was officiated by Prime Minister Feleti. P. Teo and UNSG Special Envoy to the Ocean Ambassador Peter Thomson, Minister from Fiji, FSM and Marshall Islands, Palau and PNG. The theme of the side event is “On the road to climate-resilient fisheries”. The Government of Kiribati acknowledged the FFA for the invitation to this high-level side event and the continuous regional support on fisheries.
Kiribati Side Event – UN Ocean Conference | 10 June 2025, Nice, France At the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, Kiribati proudly co-hosted a high-level side event with Peace Boat under the theme "Mobilizing Youth for Ocean and Climate Action." Hon. Ribanataake Tiwau, Minister for Fisheries and Ocean Resources, delivered a powerful statement highlighting the critical role of youth in safeguarding our ocean. He emphasized that for Small Island Developing States like Kiribati, “the ocean is our lifeline, our identity, and our future,” and urged global partners to mainstream youth in all decision-making spaces. “There is nothing about them, without them,” he declared. The event was further elevated by a vibrant traditional dance performance by Miss Kiribati 2024, Ms. Kimberly Tokanang, showcasing youth leadership through culture and advocacy. Hon.Tiwau had the opportunity to meet with Director and Founder of Peace Boat Mr Yoshioka Tatsuya to discuss mutual priorities including the Eco Boat Project. Kiribati reaffirmed its commitment to empowering youth as active agents of change in ocean governance and climate action.
Written by MFOR Media on 09 June 2025.
From 2–5 June 2025, Tarawa, Kiribati proudly hosted the PNA Ministers’ Meeting under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Tuna, Our Future.” This high-level gathering united Fisheries Ministers and senior officials from Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) to strengthen cooperation on sustainable tuna fisheries management. His Excellency President Taneti Maamau officially opened the meeting, highlighting its importance in fostering regional unity and ensuring lasting benefits for PNA member countries and their partners. A key milestone was the official participation of Vanuatu in the Longline Vessel Day Scheme (LLVDS), reinforcing regional collaboration in managing tuna resources. Another significant moment was the ceremonial transfer of the PNA chairmanship from Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) to Kiribati, who will now lead upcoming PNA meetings and events. This transition reflects the shared commitment of PNA nations to cooperative leadership, ocean stewardship, and securing the future of Pacific tuna fisheries.
Written by MFOR Media on 04 June 2025.
Five staff from the Training & Information Unit of the Coastal Fisheries Division are currently on Kiritimati (Christmas Island) delivering Post-Harvest & Value-Adding Training. The team is split into three groups across Kiritimati, Fanning (Tabuaeran), and Washington Island (Teraina), with hands-on sessions running from May 27 to June 3. This training focuses on Improving seafood quality through better post-harvest handling, teaching value-adding techniques to boost income, promoting sustainable fish handling practices. This training initiative is made possible through the support of the Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP), funded by the World Bank. The Coastal Fisheries Division sincerely acknowledges PROP's ongoing commitment to improving livelihoods and supporting sustainable fisheries development in Kiribati.
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