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By NaFAA Communication Team
A Five-day National workshop on the review of National Fisheries and Aquaculture policies for alignment with the policy framework and reform strategy for fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa has commenced in Liberia with the Deputy Director General for Administration at the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, NaFAA disclosing the Fisheries Authority’s willingness to Align its National Fisheries Policy with the PFRS to ensure that practices and policies are in harmony with continental strategies.
The overall objective is to improve food security, livelihoods, and wealth creation in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, aligned with AU Agenda 2063.
Fisheries and aquaculture policies in Africa are coherent with the Policy Framework Reform Strategy (PFRS) and coordinated at continental, regional, and national levels to maintain healthy, productive, and resilient marine, coastal, and freshwater ecosystems in the context of climate change
Speaking Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the official start of the five-day workshop Hon. Augustine M. Manaoballah said the alignment is crucial for fostering regional cooperation and ensuring that our fisheries sector can thrive within a cohesive African framework.
Hon. Manoballah further explained that harmonizing national policies with global instruments within African Union Member States is intended to adopt best practices and international standards that will enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of Liberia’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
He said assessing the alignment of Liberia’s national fisheries and aquaculture strategies and the National Agricultural Investment Plan (NAIP) with the Policy Framework Reform Strategy (PFRS) and integrating climate-change adaptation strategies into Liberia’s national plans.
Accordingly, Hon. Manoballah mentioned that the assessment and integration are vital for ensuring that Liberia’s strategies are cohesive, address the challenges posed by climate change, and align with the broader policy framework.
The NaFAA Deputy Director General for administration stressed that the significance of the workshop cannot be overstated, as fisheries and aquaculture play a critical role in ensuring food security, supporting livelihoods, and driving economic growth.
“Our discussions will focus on developing robust, sustainable, and climate-resilient policies that can be effectively implemented at both national and regional levels”.
Hon. Manoballah noted that by aligning Liberia’s fisheries and aquaculture strategies with the NAIP and the PFRS, Liberia through NaFAA aims to create a cohesive and integrated approach that supports the long-term viability and prosperity of our agricultural sectors.
Moreover, Hon. Manoballah extended heartfelt gratitude to the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) for its unwavering support and collaboration. He maintained that the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) dedication to advancing fisheries and aquaculture across Africa has been instrumental in organizing this workshop.
Making a PowerPoint presentation previously during the official ceremony, AU-IBAR Nairobi Consultant Mr. Obinna Anozie stated that Fisheries and aquaculture policies in Africa are coherent with the PFRS and coordinated at continental, regional, and national levels to maintain healthy, productive, and resilient marine, coastal, and freshwater ecosystems in the context of climate change
Support Member States in reviewing their policies and legislations and aligning them with best international practices (FAO code of conduct for responsible Fisheries) and existing continental/regional instruments (PFRS)
Mr. Anozie disclosed that the Project identified some AU Member States as fragile states to be the beneficiaries of this exercise including Somali, South Sudan, DR Congo, Libya, Chad, Sudan, Central Africa Republic, Sahrawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Madagascar, Niger, Burkina Faso, Liberia.
Facilitate national validation workshop for reviewed national policies and laws at Member State’s level.
He said the workshop’s overall objective is to ensure that Liberia’s national fisheries and aquaculture policies and strategies are coherent and aligned with the principles and objectives of the continental PFRS and relevant international instruments.
The five days National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policies for Alignment workshop is bringing together stakeholders from several governmental and non-governmental entities including the Liberia Coast Guard, Technicians from the National Fisheries and Aquaculture, the University of Liberia Fisheries Science Department, Ministry of Defense, Liberia Maritime Authority, National Port Authority, Ministry of Agriculture, National Public Institute, the World Bank, the European Union, Core Management Association, and the Liberia Artisanal Fishermen Association
