Monrovia- Several stakeholders in the maritime and water resource sectors have embarked on strategies, aimed at addressing hurdles faced by the Blue Economy and to advance suggestions on how African nations can tap on opportunities within the Blue Economy.
The consultation discussion which kicks off Tuesday, September 24, and is expected to last until September 26, in Monrovia, is also intended to formulate Liberia’s Blue Economy Strategy, define priority issues for the development of the National Blue Economy Strategy for Liberia, and identify key priority issues for national development.
The three-day event is organized by the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources.
At the start of the consultation, Deputy Maritime Commissioner for Vessel Registration, John F. Harvey who officially opened the consultation emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to navigate the complexities and opportunities inherent in the blue economy.
This, he believed, is important for Liberia, as the country increasingly recognizes the potential of its maritime assets, and where there arises a need for a comprehensive strategy to navigate the complexities and opportunities inherent in the blue economy.
“We are grateful to the AU-IBAR team for convening this National Blue Economy Strategy Workshop.
Our country is particularly thankful to the Government and People of Norway for providing funding. I am also delighted to all the technicians from various government entities who are gathered here today,” Commissioner Harvey averred.
“As you may well know, the “Blue Economy” concept encapsulates the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems.”
Commissioner Harvey reflected that Liberia is endowed with an Atlantic Ocean coastline of over 560 kilometers that holds significant potential for harnessing the blue economy to drive sustainable development.
However, he noted that realizing this potential requires a comprehensive national strategy that leverages the country’s maritime assets while ensuring the conservation and responsible management of its ocean resources.
In the face of the ongoing consultation, he notified that Liberia stands at a critical juncture in its development trajectory, with the opportunity to harness the potential of its ocean resources to drive sustainable economic growth and improve the well-being of its people.
By developing a National Blue Economy Strategy, Commissioner Harvey maintained that Liberia can chart a course toward a more prosperous, resilient, and sustainable future for generations ahead.
He maintained that a well-crafted blue economy strategy has the potential to unlock new economic opportunities, promote sustainable development, and safeguard the health of Liberia’s ocean for future generations.
Therefore, he understands that adopting a collaborative and integrated approach can enable Liberia to navigate the waves of change and chart a course toward a more prosperous and sustainable blue economy.
At the same time, Commissioner Harvey is hopeful that the blue economy would present a unique opportunity for Liberia to tap into its maritime resources, including fisheries, marine tourism, shipping, and renewable energy, to create jobs, boost economic growth, and improve livelihoods, particularly in coastal communities.
Speaking earlier via Zoom, the Head of the Blue Economy Division Directorate of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy (Darbe) African Union Commission Mr. George MBA Asseko stated that the workshop marks a crucial step towards defining the priorities and identifying strategic actions that will guide the formulation of a comprehensive Blue Economy strategy tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of the Republic of Liberia.
Mr. Asseko noted that by bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders’ government officials, private sector leaders, academic experts, and community representatives, AU-IBAR is ensuring that the strategy developed is not only robust and holistic but also inclusive and reflective of the voices of all who have a stake in the future of Liberia’s Blue Economy.
“This workshop marks a crucial step towards defining our priorities and identifying strategic actions that will guide the formulation of a comprehensive Blue Economy strategy tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of the Republic of Liberia. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders – government officials, private sector leaders, academic experts, and community representatives – we are ensuring that the strategy we develop is not only robust and holistic but also inclusive and reflective of the voices of all who have a stake in the future of Liberia’s Blue Economy”.
He said the strategy aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Africa Blue Economy Strategy, which emphasizes the sustainable utilization of Africa’s aquatic resources to achieve socio-economic transformation. For Liberia, the validation of this strategy is not just a formal endorsement; it is a crucial step toward realizing a vision of economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and social equity.
At the same time, during the first day of the workshop, the Director for Research and Statistics at the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, Mr. Austin Saye Wehye, and the Director for Marine Fisheries and Environment Solomon Daryoue spoke on the roles their institution has played in the Blue Economy.
Mr. Wehye disclosed that as the governing and regulatory arm of the aquatic resources, the Management of the Liberian Fisheries Authority, NaFAA is involved in licensing vessels, from small skills to industrial.
Director Wehye further mentioned that NaFAA’s role in the Blue Economy is to sustainably manage the natural resources or biodiversity within the ocean and inland waters. “NaFAA Management has put in place structures to adequately manage the fisheries sector”. He said the Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance Department of NaFAA is responsible for ensuring compliance in collaboration with other government line ministries and agencies including the Liberian Coast Guard, the Liberian Immigration Service, and the Liberia National Police to help ensure that the value of Liberia’s resources is obtained.
At the same time, the Director for Marine Fisheries and Environment Mr. Solomon Daryoue called for the Strengthening of NaFAA’s capacity to conduct monitoring, control, and surveillance. Director Daryoue added that engaging communities and providing support to CMAs, and Cooperatives adds value to fisheries products to understand the true value of the sector.
As part of activities during the consultation, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Conservation International, the National Port Authority, and the Liberia Maritime Authority, among other line ministries and Agencies will present a separate overview of the National Blue Economy Initiatives; the current situation, issues, opportunities for the blue economy and Challenges.
During the opening, participants from various line ministries and agencies were divided into working groups of three to define the overall objectives of Liberia’s Blue Economy Strategy and identify key priority issues for national development, identify and prioritize sectoral areas for inclusion in Liberia’s Blue Economy Strategy, based on their potential for sustainable development and economic growth and develop a comprehensive implementation plan for Liberia’s Blue Economy Strategy, including priority actions, timelines, resources, and indicators for success.
Participants at the three-day National Consultative Workshop for the formulation of Liberia’s Blue Economy Strategy include Representatives from the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Environmental Protection Agency, community leaders, NGOs, the Ministries of Agriculture, Mines and Energy, Liberia Maritime Authority, Ministry of Internal Affairs, private sector, stakeholders, academic institutions, Ministry of Public Works, Donor agencies, technical experts, Representatives from the Office of the President, Ministries of Justice, and Foreign Affairs, International organizations, and civil society.
