By By Staff Writer
Monrovia — As Liberia positions its maritime sector for increased investment, industrial growth and job creation, the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has begun developing new legal and regulatory safeguards to guide emerging maritime activities, including shipbuilding, sand mining and other subsectors.
The initiative is being jointly led by LiMA’s Legal Services and Marine Environmental Protection Departments. It aims to ensure that the expansion of Liberia’s maritime economy is supported by robust regulatory frameworks that protect the marine environment and promote responsible and sustainable development.
As part of the process, a special committee comprising legal experts and environmental professionals has been constituted to draft the requisite legal instruments.
The move comes at a time when Liberia is seeking to maximize the economic potential of its maritime resources, attract new investments and create employment opportunities for Liberians, while ensuring that growth does not undermine marine ecosystems.
Speaking on the initiative, LiMA Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., said the Authority is determined to ensure that growth in the sector is properly regulated.
“As we expand Liberia’s maritime sector and open the door to new investments and employment opportunities, we must also ensure that this growth is properly regulated. Our responsibility is to put the necessary legal safeguards in place today so that the opportunities we create do not become environmental or economic challenges tomorrow. Sustainable maritime development must be guided by strong laws, clear standards and responsible practices,” Lighe said.
Also commenting, the Director of Legal Services at LiMA, Atty. Augustus S. Karr, said the special committee was established under the direction of the Commissioner to develop comprehensive regulatory frameworks capable of addressing potential risks associated with emerging activities.
According to Atty. Karr, the committee’s work will establish clear legal requirements for operators while protecting Liberia’s marine environment from activities that could have adverse consequences.
He noted that the development of the instruments is particularly critical as Liberia explores new frontiers in its maritime domain.
Atty. Karr disclosed that the process will not end with the drafting stage. Following completion of the drafts, LiMA will convene a consultative workshop with relevant stakeholders to review the proposed regulations, solicit technical input and ensure broader ownership.
The outcome of the consultations will inform further review by the Commissioner and heads of relevant institutions before the instruments are submitted to the LiMA Board of Directors for consideration and approval.
The initiative forms part of LiMA’s broader efforts to strengthen maritime governance and ensure that Liberia’s marine resources are harnessed in a way that supports economic growth, environmental protection, investment and sustainable employment for Liberians.
