By By: Alphanso G. Kalama
Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., officially opened the 15th Ministerial Conference of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia on Friday. The high-profile event gathered ministers, representatives from member states, development partners, and experts to tackle critical challenges facing the region’s fisheries sector.
In his keynote address, President Boakai underscored Liberia’s unwavering commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable marine resource management. Describing the conference as a vital platform, he stressed the importance of addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, climate change, marine pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices.
“The health of our marine ecosystems directly impacts the prosperity and stability of our nations,” said President Boakai. “Today, as we adopt the Monrovia Declaration, we reaffirm our shared commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable fisheries management.”
Liberia’s Advances in Fisheries Governance
President Boakai highlighted Liberia’s strides in fisheries governance, including:
- The formulation of a national fisheries policy and enactment of laws to combat IUU fishing.
- Ratification and implementation of international agreements such as the United Nations Port State Measures Agreement and the Cape Town Agreement.
- The establishment of a state-of-the-art Fisheries Monitoring Center in collaboration with the Liberia Maritime Authority to protect Liberia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“Liberia remains steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations,” the President affirmed.
Acknowledging Regional and Global Partners
President Boakai commended the FCWC and development partners, including the World Bank, European Union, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), for their invaluable support. He credited these organizations with bolstering regional resilience, improving marine ecosystems, and supporting millions whose livelihoods depend on fisheries.
The Monrovia Declaration
The Conference culminated in the adoption of the Monrovia Declaration, a historic commitment to enhancing regional cooperation and promoting sustainable fisheries management. By signing the Declaration, Liberia reaffirmed its dedication to addressing shared challenges through collective action and expertise.
“These challenges are daunting but not insurmountable,” President Boakai said. “Together, we can transform our fisheries sector into a cornerstone of economic growth and sustainable development for our region.”
A Call to Action
In his closing remarks, President Boakai called on member states to take bold steps to protect marine resources for future generations. “Let us leave this Conference with renewed determination, recognizing the responsibility we share to safeguard the future of our fisheries,” he urged.
The 15th FCWC Ministerial Conference stands as a milestone in regional efforts to promote sustainable fisheries, showcasing Liberia’s leadership in advancing governance and fostering collaboration among West African nations.
