Marshall City- The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) and the European Union (EU) in Liberia, over the weekend, joined the World to celebrate World Oceans Day which is celebrated annually on June 8, a date set aside to honor, protect and conserve the world’s oceans.
By Francis G. Boayue
In commemoration of this year World Oceans Day; EJF, NaFAA with support from the EU on Friday, June 7, 2024, hosted a grand parade led by the European Union Ambassador to Liberia, Nona Deprez, and a brief outdoor event graced by officials of the Liberia National Fisheries & Aquaculture Authority, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Marshall City Council.
Providing the overview of the event, Madam Olivia Livingtone of EJF, said the event seeks to create awareness of ocean sustainability and amplify voices in advocating for sustainable ocean management in Liberia.
According to her, the day signifies EJF’s commitment to promoting a healthy ocean in Liberia and the world and demonstrates the European Union’s commitment to supporting the government and people of Liberia in protecting the ocean and its resources.
In remarks, the head of the EU Delegation to Liberia, Amb. Nona Deprez, lauded EJF for tremendous progress working along with the Margibi Collaborative Management Association (CMA) to preserve mangroves and promote the greenness of the oceans.
“We are very happy to be here in Marshall today as we celebrate World Ocean Day. We need a sustainable mechanism to save the ocean. The EU has been a strong partner to Liberia for 50th years and we are here to stay. It is important that we work together here today to celebrate World Ocean Day with fishermen and women in Marshall City to ensure that the resources you live on are protected by putting an end to illegal fishing and safeguarding the green ocean. The EU will be coming back to Marshall to protect the mangroves in an effort to protect the earth,” Amb. Nona Deprez added.
Also speaking, Francis Mulbah, Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Agriculture, representing his boss, said the ocean contributes a whole lot to livelihood activities and needs to be protected at all times because it helps in providing fish for consumption. Additionally, he called on the residents of Marshall to protect the ocean due to its pivotal role played in livelihood.
Mr. Siekula T. Vannie, representing the NAFAA Boss, in remarks said: “The ocean is very important to human consumption, it provides livelihood and economic viability. For us from the Fisheries sector, we are committed to working with the EU and EJF to support the national management of fisheries in Liberia. He also lauded EJF for establishing CMAs across all four coastal counties in Liberia.”
The day was celebrated with the fishing community of Marshall with fishers who depend solely on the ocean for their livelihood and climaxed with a canoe race among four groups with Anthony Nyenneh and Ross Nyenneh crowned winners.
This year’s global theme is: “Catalyzing action for our ocean and climate”. It recognizes that our ocean keeps our climate stable, absorbing around one-quarter of humanity’s CO2 emissions and 90% of the heat generated from excess greenhouse gas emissions. It calls for concrete actions to protect our ocean and stabilize our climate.