The Community-Based Fisheries Management (CBFM) team recently completed a successful visit to Tabiteuea Meang from July 19th to 29th. The primary goal of the trip was to review and assess the fisheries management plans for the villages of Tekaman and Kabuna, initially established in late 2019. The team was inspired by the unwavering commitment of these communities to safeguarding their marine resources, with reports highlighting numerous positive changes that have motivated other villages in Tabiteuea Meang to join the CBFM program.

This visit also marked a significant milestone, as two additional communities, Tanaeang and Aiwa Islet, officially joined the CBFM program. In Tekaman, the team collaborated closely with the newly formed women's association, which aims to strengthen the role of women in fisheries management. The association is actively working to raise awareness among children, husbands, and household members, with discussions focused on developing new rules to support sustainable fishing practices and improve livelihoods.

The CBFM team extends its heartfelt gratitude to the communities of Tekaman, Tanaeang, Kabuna, and Aiwa for their warm hospitality during the visit. The opportunity to work together in reviewing and enhancing the fisheries management plans is deeply appreciated. The team looks forward to visiting other communities in Tabiteuea Meang that were not reached during this trip, with a commitment to reviewing and supporting the endorsement of their fisheries management plans under the Kiribati Fisheries Regulation 2019. This ensures that sustainable practices are formally recognized and supported.

The trip was made possible with the support of the Government of Australia through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), and the Pacific Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP) Kiribati Project.