The Liberian Fisheries Authority Director General, Madam Emma Metieh Glassco, has officially launched a new fisheries project in Monrovia, calling for increased European Union support to strengthen the University of Liberia’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences Department.
Speaking at the launch of the EU-financed Liberia Fisheries Governance Project (LFGP), Madam Glassco urged the European Union to consider providing additional support to enhance the human resources capacity of the department. She commended the EU for its strong support to the Liberian Fisheries sector over the years, noting its strategic partnership and technical assistance.
The European Union Ambassador accredited to Liberia, Nona Deprez, emphasized the importance of the fisheries sector for both Liberia and the European Union. She highlighted the sector’s contribution to employment, GDP, and nutrition in Liberia while acknowledging the challenges posed by climate change and illegal industrial trawlers.
Ambassador Deprez noted that the LFGP would strengthen the Liberian fisheries sector’s democratic governance and accountability by enhancing the capacities of civil society organizations and the media. She emphasized the importance of involving local fishing communities in decision-making and the role of local media and CSOs in promoting collaborative management associations (CMAs).
The Environmental Justice Foundation Program Officer, Augustine Fayiah, highlighted the role of his organization in establishing CMAs in four Liberian counties and supporting community monitoring and reporting of illegal fishing. He expressed excitement about the potential of the LFGP to improve fisheries governance and secure coastal community livelihoods.
The launch of the LFGP marks a significant step towards enhancing the sustainability and governance of the Liberian fisheries sector. With the support of the European Union and other partners, Liberia can address the challenges facing the sector and ensure a sustainable future for its coastal communities.