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Working closely with local stakeholders, FAO’s SVC4SIDS project and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade funded Tobwan Waara Programme are actively contributing to domestic tuna and export lobster fisheries value chain enhancement in Kiribati. On the island of Makin, one of target locations, comprehensive value chain analysis and collaboration with local counterparts have highlighted an urgent need to improve facilities and upgrade capacity in the fish centre.

Makin is an island reef atoll lacking a lagoon and is particularly vulnerable during extended periods of adverse weather and to the evolving impacts of climate change. At the same time, its geographic location and the clear surrounding oceanic waters create an ideal environment for catching larger, higher-value tuna species.

The project has been working closely with key partners namely the Makin Island Council, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development (MFMRD), and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE). 

Cover Photo: Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy team. 

 Left Photo: Initiated product development and food safety training for Makin and Nikunau Fish Centre managers.
 Right Photo: Meeting with Mayor and Clerk to Island Council.
 

Recent accomplishments have included land allocation of the proposed new fish centre, finalising the design and site inspections. The new fish centre is designed to function as a commercially viable, small-scale micro-canning tuna facility, fully meeting safety and food hygiene standards. The centre will also integrate renewable energy devices, such as solar-powered freezers, and be equipped with post-harvest fish processing and drying areas. The upgraded facility will enable greater value addition of local tuna and provide additional employment opportunities, including for women and youth, within the community.

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