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Hybrid meeting, Tarawa, Kiribati, 18 March 2022

Fisheries are vital to the economies and food security of many Pacific island nations, supporting livelihoods and providing an important source of protein and micronutrients in diets. As part of its work to enhance fish value chains in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), SVC4SIDS is working together with partners in Kiribati to upgrade and improve the tuna and lobster value chains. The project interventions will contribute to social and economic benefits for stakeholders, while building resilience to environmental vulnerabilities. A participatory approach with consultations and engagement with stakeholders is key for the project’s implementation, uptake and sustainability beyond the project lifetime.

After various consultations that took place in 2021, the first workshop for the project: “tuna value chain mapping” was held on 16-18 March 2022 in a hybrid format with representatives from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resource Development (MFMRD), the Central Pacific Producers Ltd (CPPL) and assisted by project field staff. The meeting was attended by a total of 16 participants in presence of Ms Tooreka Temari, Director of Coastal Fisheries and the Project Focal point, as well as Ms Temarewe Maitinnara, CEO of CPPL.

The event was opened by Mr Nianjun Shen, Senior Fishery Officer and the Project Lead Technical Officer, and Mr Teeta Erikate, Senior Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resource Development (MFMRD).

In his opening remarks, Mr Nianjun Shen highlighted the significance of fish trade to the economies of SIDS, and the need for a holistic and strategic approach to address gaps and barriers in order to bolster the competitiveness of small businesses in SIDS. He also gave an overview of the project and concluded by thanking MFMRD and CPPL for their valuable contribution and support.

Mr Teeta Erikate welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of revenues generated from the tuna fishery. He underlined the great expectations of the workshop and project outcomes in meeting the country’s aspirations.

The workshop, in its 1st session, introduced the methodological framework of the value chain analysis and strategy development underpinning the project. Following which feedback was collected to validate the domestic tuna value chain map, including a mapping of stakeholders. The workshop also provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on challenges and priority areas for improvement, particularly with regards to the artisanal tuna fishery. 

Mr Teeta Erikate, Senior Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resource Development (MFMRD)
(second line, right-hand side) delivering the opening remarks.  

Closing session