Monrovia, September 19, 2024 – Madam Emman Metieh Glassco, Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), has underscored the importance of small-scale fisheries in Liberia, describing them as the lifeblood of fishing communities across the country.
During the opening of a three-day workshop at the Royal Hotel, aimed at developing a small-scale fisheries training curriculum for future leaders, Madam Glassco highlighted the critical contribution of these fisheries to Liberia’s economy and food security. She emphasized that small-scale fisheries support millions of people, particularly vulnerable groups like women, youth, and Indigenous fishers. The workshop was a joint effort between the University of Liberia’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, NaFAA, Duke University, FAO, and Conservation International (CI).
Glassco noted that small-scale fisheries not only provide essential nutrition but also drive economic growth and social stability in rural communities. Despite their vital role, these fisheries have long been overlooked and underfunded. She called for a new focus on the sector, which she said was essential for Liberia’s overall development.
“Changing the Narrative for Small-Scale Fisheries”
Madam Glassco stressed the need to adopt the “Illuminating Hidden Harvest” approach, which aims to reveal the full potential and challenges within the small-scale fisheries sector. She emphasized that better understanding and visibility of this sector would enable NaFAA to craft policies that genuinely address the needs of fishers, thereby ensuring long-term resilience.
She also noted that the workshop was not only about creating a curriculum but about laying the foundation for sustainable fisheries management in Liberia’s future.
Key Recommendations: Inclusivity, Sustainability, and Collaboration
Madam Glassco presented three key recommendations for the curriculum: inclusivity, sustainability, and collaboration. She advocated for the inclusion of marginalized groups—especially women and youth—in decision-making processes. She also stressed that sustainability should be at the core of all policies, given the finite nature of fisheries resources.
Furthermore, she emphasized the need for collaboration between government entities, fishing communities, international organizations, and the private sector to drive lasting changes in Liberia’s small-scale fisheries.
World Bank Pledges Continued Support for Liberia’s Fisheries Sector
World Bank Country Manager, Madam Georgia Wallen, also spoke at the event, hailing the workshop as a forward-looking initiative to train Liberia’s future fisheries leaders. She praised the adoption of the global “Illuminating Hidden Harvests” approach, calling it a crucial step toward evaluating and monitoring small-scale fisheries effectively.
Madam Wallen reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to its mission of ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. She highlighted the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries project, particularly the establishment of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Science Program (FASP) at the University of Liberia, as a key initiative in this mission.
The program is designed to build local capacity in fisheries management, fish processing, and marketing. Madam Wallen expressed optimism about the future of Liberia’s fisheries sector, noting that over 100 students have already enrolled in the FASP program. She also announced the construction of a regional center of excellence for fisheries sciences and governance at the University of Liberia, which she described as a major milestone in the ongoing partnership between the World Bank and the Liberian government.
As the workshop progresses, stakeholders remain hopeful that the new curriculum will lead to sustainable fisheries management and foster economic growth in Liberia.
