MONROVIA– The Communities for Fisheries Undertaking, a collaboration between the European Union, the Environmental Justice Basis (EJF), and Liberia’s Nationwide Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), a landmark initiative to rework Liberia’s fisheries sector has concluded with a high-profile close-out ceremony, marking important strides in the direction of a extra sustainable, moral, and inclusive Blue Financial system.
The “Communities for Fisheries Undertaking, launched in December 2019 beneath the EU-Liberia Agriculture Programme, on Monday, July 7, got here to an finish.
EJF West Africa Regional Supervisor Cephas Asare, in his opening remarks through the closing ceremony held on the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Advanced in Congo City, expressed immense gratitude for the collective efforts that defied expectations, together with securing two no-cost extensions for the challenge from the European Union.
“My love for Liberia has grown immensely, and it has actually grow to be my second dwelling,” Asare remarked, acknowledging the nice and cozy welcome he obtained.
“With out your love and acceptance, this journey in my profession wouldn’t have been potential.”
Asare highlighted the challenge’s success in fostering a extra authorized, sustainable, moral, inclusive, and resilient fisheries sector.
He emphasised the shut collaboration with fishing communities, authorities establishments, civil society, and personal sector actors.
“Collectively, we’ve got taken important steps to strengthen fisheries governance, promote transparency, and help the livelihoods of hundreds of Liberians who depend on the ocean,” Asare acknowledged.
He particularly thanked the European Union for his or her “beneficiant help and dedication to Liberia’s improvement priorities,” noting that their partnership “remodeled concepts into actual change.” This included grassroots coaching, capability constructing, and empowering girls by monetary initiatives.
Asare additionally paid tribute to the fishers, stating, “Your management, perception, and dedication have been instrumental. This challenge has been simply as a lot yours because it has been ours.”
He concluded by reminding attendees that “sustainable fisheries administration is an ongoing journey moderately than a vacation spot,” with the laid foundations poised to function “catalysts for future affect.”
Serving as keynote speaker, J. Cyrus Saygbe, Sr., Performing Director Normal of NaFAA, echoed Asare’s sentiments, expressing “immense satisfaction and gratitude” for the challenge’s achievements.
He described the initiative as “a landmark that has not solely redefined how we handle our marine sources however has empowered our communities and impressed a nationwide motion towards sustainable fisheries.”
One of many challenge’s strongest outcomes, Saygbe famous, has been the strengthening of Collaborative Administration Associations (CMAs). “These community-based establishments, now absolutely operational in Grand Kru, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, and Margibi counties, are taking part in a pivotal function in fisheries governance, selling transparency, native accountability, and long-term sustainability,” he mentioned.
He additional famous that by the Ladies’s Empowerment and Village Financial savings and Mortgage Associations (VSLAs), over 1,000 girls throughout 30 communities at the moment are lively brokers of change, financially empowered and extra concerned in decision-making, enterprise, and useful resource stewardship.
In keeping with him, the challenge has additionally delivered essential infrastructure, together with 5 accomplished CMA workplaces and a sixth nearing completion in Sasstown, considerably bolstering NaFAA’s decentralization agenda.
“These workplaces aren’t simply buildings; they’re facilities of empowerment, knowledge assortment, coaching, and repair supply,” Saygbe emphasised.
On behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., Saygbe expressed “deepest appreciation” to the European Union for its management and to the Environmental Justice Basis for its “integrity, cost-efficiency, and unwavering dedication.” He additionally thanked neighborhood leaders, fisherfolk, and CMA executives for his or her perception and onerous work.
He concluded, “As we shut this challenge, allow us to not see it as an finish, however moderately a brand new starting – a springboard for even higher collaboration, innovation, and affect. Thanks – and congratulations to all of us. Liberia WINS!”
