Two staff members from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development (MFMRD) in Kiribati recently had the valuable opportunity to participate in the 2024 "Belt and Road" International Training Workshop on Mariculture Technologies. The workshop, held in Qingdao, China, from October 22 to November 5, was an intensive training program aimed at enhancing participants’ knowledge and skills in mariculture, one of the most vital sectors for sustainable fisheries and marine resource development.

The event was organized by the prestigious Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute in collaboration with key partners from the Chinese aquaculture sector. The workshop brought together experts and participants from around the world, offering a unique platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration on the latest advancements in mariculture technologies.

Over the two-week program, the Kiribati representatives, along with other international attendees, participated in a comprehensive curriculum that included a blend of lectures, hands-on training, and field visits to leading mariculture facilities. These sessions covered a wide range of aquaculture topics, including seaweed farming, fish breeding, sustainable aquaculture practices, and marine biodiversity conservation. The field visits allowed participants to see firsthand how these technologies and practices are implemented in real-world settings, providing valuable insights that they can apply back in their home countries.

The training workshop provided the Kiribati staff with cutting-edge knowledge in mariculture, which will be instrumental in enhancing the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development. Mariculture, or marine aquaculture, has become increasingly important for Kiribati, as it offers significant opportunities to diversify the country’s economy, enhance food security, and provide sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development expressed its gratitude for the generous funding and organizational support provided by the Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute and its partners, including ZHEJIANG OCEAN FAMILY CO., LTD. Their sponsorship made it possible for the Ministry’s staff to benefit from this high-level international training. This opportunity not only allowed the Kiribati representatives to enhance their technical expertise but also to establish valuable connections with international experts and institutions in the field of mariculture.

The Ministry looks forward to leveraging the knowledge and skills gained from the workshop to further develop the aquaculture sector in Kiribati. The expertise acquired will help the Ministry implement more effective and sustainable mariculture practices, contributing to the long-term conservation of marine resources and the development of resilient coastal communities in Kiribati.

As Kiribati continues to face environmental challenges, particularly those posed by climate change and ocean degradation, the adoption of advanced mariculture technologies represents a critical step towards achieving sustainable development. This workshop exemplifies the kind of international cooperation that can drive positive change in the fisheries sector, ensuring that marine resources are managed and utilized in ways that benefit both the environment and the people who depend on them.

In conclusion, the participation of the Ministry’s staff in the 2024 "Belt and Road" International Training Workshop on Mariculture Technologies highlights Kiribati’s ongoing commitment to improving its fisheries and aquaculture practices. Through international collaboration and the support of key partners like the Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute and ZHEJIANG OCEAN FAMILY CO., LTD., Kiribati is making strides toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for its marine resources and coastal communities.