President Joseph N. Boakai has pledged his government’s commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable management of marine resources.
Speaking Friday, December 13, 2024, at the opening of the 15th Ministerial Conference of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) in Monrovia, Boakai said Liberia has a rich maritime heritage which underpins its commitment to sustainable marine life.
The Liberian leader the gathering of the 15th FCWC provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress, identify challenges, and explore solutions to safeguard the future of fisheries stock and work together towards ensuring the sustainability of this vital source of sustenance for millions of people in the region and the world at large.
According to him, across the nations, fishing is a cultural and economic activity; it helps to ensure food security, provide jobs, and contribute to economic growth.
He said the health of the marine ecosystems directly impacts the prosperity and stability of nations.
“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.
President Boakai said addressing these challenges requires urgent and collective action, which makes the conference all the more important.
“Today, as we adopt the “Monrovia Declaration,” we are reaffirming our commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable fisheries management,” he said.
He said the declaration will serve as a guide as countries work together to protect the future of the oceans, the communities that rely on them and the economic stability of countries.
He commended the FCWC for its unwavering dedication to advancing regional cooperation and collaboration in fostering sustainable fisheries management.
For his part, Liberia’s Agriculture Minister, Alexander Nuta described the gathering as a testament of the power of regional collaboration in addressing shared challenges and advancing sustainable development within the fisheries sector.
Minister Nuta said, “As you convene in Monrovia, I’m reminded of the immense potential of our marine resources. The West Central Gulf of Guinea, a region rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, holds the promise of prosperity for millions in this subregion. However, this potential can only be realized through our collective commitment to responsible stewardship and innovative governance of our resources.”
He said Liberia is particularly proud to host this conference at a time when it is assuming the Chairmanship of FCWC, a role that is both a privilege and a call to action, challenging Liberians to lead with vision, determination and an unwavering dedication to sustainable fisheries practices.
“We are humbled to take on this responsibility and pledge to work tirelessly alongside our regional partners to achieve FCWC’s objectives,” the Minister added.
Liberia’s Agriculture Minister said that the fisheries sector is the lifeblood of coastal communities across the region, providing livelihoods, food security, and opportunities for economic growth; saying, for Liberia, fisheries contribute significantly to rural incomes and national revenue, with countless families depending on the bounty of its waters.
