By: Sylvester Choloplay
Monrovia, Liberia – December 13, 2024!
“We are confronted in this regard with numerous challenges that threaten the future.
Climate change, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, marine pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices all pose significant risks to the productivity and health of our oceans,” stated President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at the 15th Ministerial Conference of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC).
President Boakai outlined the pressing dangers of climate change poses to the region’s marine ecosystems, citing rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and unpredictable weather patterns.
The Liberian Chief Executive also addressed marine pollution, including plastic waste and industrial discharges, and underscored the need to combat unsustainable fishing practices, such as overfishing and destructive methods, which threaten biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions.
The Liberian Leader was speaking at the a. conference that convened key regional stakeholders, including ministers, development partners, and representatives from FCWC member states such as Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia on Friday, December 13, 2024.
Esteemed participants included Liberia’s own NaFAA leadership, international partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Bank, the European Union, SIDA, and JICA.
Liberia’s efforts to tackle these challenges were highlighted, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art Fisheries Monitoring Center in partnership with the Liberia Maritime Authority.
This facility leverages advanced technologies to monitor and protect Liberia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from illegal activities.
Additionally, Liberia has ratified key international agreements such as the United Nations Port State Measures Agreement and the Cape Town Agreement, demonstrating its commitment to global best practices.
“Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities for growth, prosperity, and environmental stewardship,” President Joseph N. Boakai
A key outcome of the conference was the adoption of the Monrovia Declaration, reaffirming regional cooperation in advancing sustainable fisheries management.
“Through collective action and the support of our development partners, we can protect our oceans, strengthen the resilience of our coastal communities, and transform fisheries into a cornerstone of economic growth,” President Boakai asserted.
As the conference concluded, President Boakai called on member states to align their efforts, share best practices, and renew their commitment to sustainable development.
“Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities for growth, prosperity, and environmental stewardship,” he affirmed, reiterating Liberia’s readiness to lead in protecting the region’s marine resources.
