The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK), following contributions to the Kiribati Coastal Fisheries Summit in May 2023, joined the Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resource Development (MFMRD) at the Nei Tengarengare – Community Based Fisheries Management (CBFM) Summit on Butaritari Island from 14-16 August 2023.
The summit was attended by participants from across 14 Island councils and community representative across the Gilbert group of islands. The gathering encouraged island communities with established Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) to discuss progress towards sustaining their marine resources, share challenges and to map mitigation strategies. The program included panel discussion and presentations from the MFMRD’s Coastal Fisheries Division.
TAK Officer and Sustainable Tourism Champion, Ms. Kiarake Karuaki presented on marine tourism development potential through MPA tours, reef to fork concept of seafood culinary experiences and marine heritage conservation.
The summit concluded with an official banquet attended by the President of the Republic of Kiribati, His Excellency, Taneti Maamau and First Lady Maamau, Government Ministers, Members of Parliament, Ms. Karen Bray, High Commissioner of Australia, and Marni Gilbert Deputy High Commissioner of New Zealand to Kiribati.
When delivering his address, TAK Chief Executive Officer, Petero Manufolau, thanked the MFMRD for their visionary and inclusive approach of incorporating tourism to its Community-Based Fisheries Management programme.
Other Gilbert islands included in the CBFM programme are Makin Marakei, Abaiang, South Tarawa (Nanikaai), North Tarawa, Maiana, Kuria, Aranuka, Abemama, Nonouti, Tabiteuea Meang, Onotoa and Nikunau.
