Kiribati leadership in ocean and fisheries lead to major milestones
Attending the Te Wa Forum, convened in Tarawa this week from 6 – 7 May 2026, the Pacific Ocean Commissioner has applauded Kiribati for its successful convening of fisheries partners during this two-day long meeting. At the Forum, Kiribati Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) launched the Ara Marawa 2026–2031 National Ocean Policy, describing it as a landmark achievement that strengthens integrated ocean governance and sets a clear national direction for sustainable ocean management.
OPOC noted that the policy provides a critical framework to guide partnerships, investments, and coordinated action across Kiribati’s fisheries and ocean sector.
The national ocean policy launch was part of the successful Fisheries and Ocean Development Partners Forum (Te Wa Forum 2026), held in Tarawa this week.
Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni said the Forum reflected the Blue Pacific Continent vision of collective action on shared ocean and climate challenges. OPOC was delighted to have worked alongside the Kiribati Government with coordination of other stakeholders to support Kiribati in finalizing its national ocean policy. OPOC will continue in the same vein to collaborate with partners to operationalize the policy.
“Kiribati’s leadership in launching its National Ocean Policy demonstrates a clear and forward-looking commitment to sustainably managing its ocean resources,” Dr Manoni said.
“The value of the Te Wa Forum lies in aligning that vision with coordinated, practical support from partners.”
OPOC also welcomed the release of the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) Annual Report 2025, highlighting progress and priorities in the sector.
“Strong national frameworks, combined with regional cooperation, are essential for the Pacific. This Forum shows how country leadership and partner alignment can deliver tangible outcomes,” Dr Manoni added.
Convened by the Government of Kiribati, the Forum brought together development partners, regional and multilateral organisations, industry representatives, and investors to align priorities and strengthen collaboration.
Guided by the spirit of Te Wa—paddling as one towards a shared destination—participants emphasised trust, collective effort, and stronger coordination.
Key themes emerging from the Forum included sustainable fisheries management, infrastructure and port development, seafood processing and value addition, climate resilience, combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, ocean governance and strengthening local capacity and participation in the ocean economy.
Participants also highlighted the importance of aligning donor support and investment pipelines with Kiribati’s national priorities and long-term development aspirations.
OPOC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kiribati and partners to translate these outcomes into coordinated investments and measurable results, in line with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
