Plans are well underway for Liberia to host the 15th Ministerial Conference of the Fisheries Committee for the West and Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), scheduled for December 11-13, 2024, in Monrovia. The Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority of Liberia, Madam Emma Metieh Glassco, has officially announced Liberia’s preparedness and eagerness to welcome participants from various nations, including fisheries ministers and leading officials from six member states—Benin, Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Liberia. According to Madam Glassco, the Government of Liberia and the fisheries authority are firmly following directives from President Joseph Boakai to ensure a successful international gathering focused on fisheries management and sustainability.
During the conference, several technical working sessions will take place, primarily at the Mamba Point Hotel, with the closing session held at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town. These sessions are expected to foster discussions on critical issues affecting the fisheries sector in the Gulf of Guinea region. The convening of such significant stakeholders highlights the importance of collaboration in addressing shared challenges among the countries involved. This gathering is particularly notable as it provides an opportunity for Liberia to play a leading role in driving policies and governance related to fisheries management within the subregion, marking a historic moment for its fisheries sector.
Madam Glassco elaborated that one of the major outcomes of the conference will be the creation of a “Monrovia Declaration.” This declaration will reinforce the commitment of member states to joint fisheries patrols and synchronized closed seasons for fishing activities, which are necessary measures for the sustainable management of marine resources. The framework established by the Monrovia Declaration is expected to significantly contribute to improving fisheries governance in the region, as member nations work jointly towards the stewardship of their marine resources.
Furthermore, Madam Glassco emphasized the potential for the upcoming conference to attract not only contributions toward better governance but also investment opportunities in Liberia’s fisheries sector. Hosting international delegates and observers can increase awareness and interest in Liberia’s fishing industry, potentially leading to the establishment of partnerships and investments that can bolster the sector’s development. The conference offers a platform for Liberia to showcase its fisheries management initiatives, its marine biodiversity, and its commitment to sustainable practices.
The FCWC, established in 2007, is a pivotal regional fisheries organization comprising benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Togo. It was created to enhance cooperation among member countries in fisheries management, recognizing the interdependent nature of their fish stocks. The collaborative approach emphasized by the FCWC aims to tackle challenges faced by the fisheries sector, such as overfishing, illegal fishing activities, and the need for a sustainable framework for managing shared marine resources.
In sum, the successful hosting of the 15th Ministerial Conference represents an important milestone for Liberia and the Gulf of Guinea region in promoting responsible fisheries management. The anticipated outcomes of the conference—such as the Monrovia Declaration and enhanced investment awareness—will be crucial as member states work together to ensure the long-term sustainability of their fisheries. Through this collaborative effort, invigorated by Liberia’s leadership role, the participating countries aim to reinforce their commitments to protecting marine resources for future generations.
