In a groundbreaking effort to support sustainable fisheries and community development, the Butaritari community is launching the Nei Tengarengare project—a Community-Based Tourism (CBT) initiative centered around Marine Protected Area (MPA) tours. This project, developed in collaboration with Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK), aims to foster environmental conservation, empower local communities, and promote responsible tourism practices.
The Nei Tengarengare project stems from the outcomes of the Coastal Fisheries Summit held in May 2023, where TAK was invited to join the Community-Based Fisheries Management (CBFM), locally known as Nei Tengarengare. Nei Tengarengare is a division of the Coastal Fisheries Division under the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development (MFRD), and it works closely with communities in Butaritari to ensure sustainable fisheries practices.
As part of the project’s initial steps, TAK will collaborate with MPA communities in Butaritari to provide training on MPA tour package development, itinerary planning, and package costing. Ms. Kiarake Karuaki, the Tourism Officer for Product Development, conducted training sessions in three MPA communities—Kuuma village (north and south), Tanimaiaki village, and Bikaati islet—in preparation for the upcoming national stakeholder meeting scheduled for early August in Butaritari.
During the consultation workshops, Ms. Kiarake shared insights on various topics including the foundations of tourism, Kiribati niche tourism products, Butaritari niche tourism products, and different types of travellers or visitors. This knowledge exchange aimed to enhance the communities’ understanding of tourism in general, enabling them to develop tailored experiences that align with visitor preferences.
The three MPA communities in Butaritari—Kuuma village (north and south), Tanimaiaki village, and Bikaati islet—will serve as pioneers, sharing their MPA through a tour program with representatives from other MPA participants across the Gilbert Islands. The participating islands include Makin, Marakei, Abaiang, Tarawa, Maiana, Kuria, Aranuka, Abemama, Nonouti, Tab North and Tab South, Onotoa, Beru, and Nikunau. The aim is to facilitate knowledge sharing and inspire other island groups to replicate successful practices in their respective regions, ensuring the sustainability of their established Marine Protected Areas.
“The Nei Tengarengare project is a remarkable example of collaboration between the tourism sector and local communities for sustainable development,” said Petero Manufolau, CEO of TAK. “By harnessing the potential of Marine Protected Area tours, we can protect our precious marine ecosystems, empower communities, and create authentic experiences for visitors. We are proud to support this initiative and look forward to its positive impact on Butaritari and beyond.”
The Nei Tengarengare project marks an important step towards promoting responsible and community-driven tourism in Butaritari. By integrating conservation efforts, cultural heritage, and sustainable livelihoods, this initiative paves the way for a brighter, more resilient future for both the environment and the local communities.
