The discussion, held from Wednesday to Thursday (June 19-20), was co-hosted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Liberia.
MONROVIA – The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) and the Liberia National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) have concluded a two-day stakeholders roundtable discussion focused on securing fish landing sites and fish smoking spaces to support sustainable fisheries within the context of National Food Security.
By Francis G. Boayue, [email protected]
The discussion, held from Wednesday to Thursday (June 19-20), was co-hosted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Liberia. It brought together various government agencies, including the Liberia Maritime Authority, Liberia Land Authority, and Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as representatives from the eight Collaborative Management Associations (CMAs), the Liberia Artisanal Fishers Association, the National Civil Society Council of Liberia, and development partners like Conservation International and Cerath Development Organization. Representatives from academia were also in attendance.
The roundtable focused on exploring how the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries, and Forests in the Context of National Food Security (VGGT), the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF guidelines), the 2018 Land Reform Act, and the 2019 Fisheries Act of Liberia could address emerging challenges in Liberia’s small-scale fisheries sector. This includes securing fish landing sites and fish smoking spaces against existing and potential threats.
Cephas Asare, EJF’s West Africa Regional Manager, provided an overview of the program. He stated that the two-day discussion was part of the Communities for Fisheries Project, funded by the European Union, which aims to safeguard the fisheries sector. Asare also presented the first 100 copies of the National CMA policy document, outlining the responsibilities of NaFAA and the CMAs in promoting enhanced co-management of the sector.
According to Asare, the project promotes participatory co-management of fisheries using the model of Collaborative Management Associations (CMAs). “The roundtable discussion focuses on setting up guidelines essential for ensuring the sustainability of the Liberian fisheries sector and enhancing the growth of CMAs in Liberia by promoting good governance and management through policy intervention, advocacy, and capacity building,” he said. He added that the project seeks to reduce illegal fishing and promote sustainable fishing in Liberia, with resource users actively participating in managing the resources.
NaFAA Human Resource Director Siekula Vannie, proxying for NaFAA Director General Madam Emma Glasco, highlighted that with the support of the European Union and other partners, NaFAA has strengthened local fisheries management through the establishment of CMAs. He noted that NaFAA has positively engaged local fishing communities across the nine coastal counties to prioritize their well-being.
European Union Representative to Liberia Program Officer, Madam Maria Winnubst, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to partnering with others to grow the Liberian fisheries sector. “Together we can find ways to protect the Liberian fisherman and the bearers in the fisheries sector. While we are looking globally, we need your voice to be heard so that together we can fight to develop the sector,” Winnubst encouraged.
FAO Assistant Representative for Program Octavius T. Quarbo outlined the United Nations’ efforts to foster growth and development across several sectors, including fisheries. He mentioned that the FAO has supported efforts under the VGGT, working with multiple actor platforms on responsible agriculture, investment, and land governance.
At the end of the two-day discussion, participants developed a roadmap for securing fish landing sites in Liberia, guided by the Liberia land formalization process of the LLA. NaFAA and LLA agreed to lead the activity by mapping all landing sites and potential threats, working with significant stakeholders to ensure these sites are protected for continued access by fishers.
The participants also urged the government to revise their policies to align with the VGGT and SSF guidelines, promoting greater implementation of legal and sustainable fisheries in Liberia.
