Written by MFOR Media on 17 March 2025.
Taking one step forward, Marawa Research and Exploration Limited had their first bilateral talk with His Excellency Ambassador Zhou from the Chinese Embassy to Kiribati on the 13th of March, 2025. The talk provides an exciting opportunity to explore potential collaboration for the sustainable exploration of the deep ocean resources in Kiribati. Marawa Research and Exploration Limited is a State Owned Enterprise established to explore potential opportunities of the deep ocean resources beyond national jurisdiction for the people of Kiribati.
On March 15, 2025, Hon. Minister Ribanataake Tiwau, together with the Mayors and Chairmen of communities from Abaiang and North Tarawa, jointly signed and endorsed six Community Based Fisheries Management Plans for Ribono and Nuotaea from Abaiang Island, as well as Buariki, Tabonibara, Tearinibai, and Nuatabu from North Tarawa, marking a key step in protecting coastal marine resources. This signing allows these communities to enforce sustainable management practices. The event was witnessed by the Australian High Commissioner, Minister for MCIA Hon. Harry Tekaiti, local mayors, community leaders and a few members of these communities. The MFOR expresses its deep gratitude for the continuous financial and technical support from the Australian government and the staff of the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) through the University of Wollongong. Hon. Ribanataake also extended his appreciation to all those who contributed to this achievement, including the Office of the Attorney General, staff from the University of Wollongong, the Pacific Community (SPC), and the World Bank (through PROP) for supporting this endorsement event, as well as the Abaiang and North Tarawa Island Councils, CBFM staff, and the Coastal Fisheries Division.
Today on the 13th of March 2025 marked an important milestone for Kiribati, as it becomes the signatory to the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). This significant undertaking was performed by the Kiribati’s Permanent Resident to the United Nations Ambassador Teburoro Tiito, acting on behalf of H.E President Taneti Maamau of the Republic of Kiribati, together with his team at the United Nations Secretariat, New York, USA. The overall objective of the BBNJ, is the conservation and sustainable use of the marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdictions, for present and in the long-term; through marine genetic resources, area-based management tools, environmental impact assessments and capacity building and transfer of marine technology. This agreement requires a total of ratification from a minimum of 60 countries to allow this agreement to enter into force and becomes a treaty. MFOR is coordinating this work at the national level and following this signing, preparations, and domestication of this agreement into the Kiribati relevant laws, before the proper ratification of this agreement. The MFOR thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration and the Kiribati Embassy at the United Nations in New York, USA for executing this signing.
The Kiribati delegation, which included the Director of the Planning and Development Division and two officials from the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, departed to attend the 2025 Joint Committee Meeting for the EU-Kiribati Fisheries Partnership Agreement. The meeting takes place in Singapore from March 11 to 13, 2025. The meeting focused on reviewing the performance of both parties under the partnership protocol to ensure compliance and enhance cooperation throughout the agreement's duration (2024–2028). Additionally, the committee assessed the progress of the Fisheries Sector Support Project, a key component of the protocol implemented by the Ministry. The meeting concluded with great outcomes with the approval of the EU Sector Support Programme for the 2025. The committee expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the EU Sector Support Project and approved the release of the second tranche of EUR 400,000 in April 2025. The Kiribati delegation expressed gratitude to the European Union Delegation for its ongoing cooperation and support under this partnership.
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