Monrovia, Liberia – December 11, 2024 – The 15th Ministerial Fisheries Conference of the Fisheries Committee for West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) officially began today in Monrovia, Liberia. The conference, spanning three days from December 11-13, 2024, is set to tackle pressing issues affecting the region’s fisheries sector.
Participants and Objectives
The event has brought together Fisheries Directors, technicians from FCWC member countries, partners, and donors from Africa, Europe, and other parts of the world. The gathering aims to develop actionable strategies and enhance regional collaboration on fisheries management.
Key Challenges Addressed
During his welcome address, Hon. William Y. Boeh, Deputy Director General for Technical Services of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, highlighted the challenges facing the region. He identified overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, climate change, and governance gaps as major threats to food security in the West Central Gulf of Guinea.
Leadership and Collaboration
Hon. Boeh emphasized the significance of Liberia assuming the FCWC chairmanship, underscoring the nation’s commitment to regional leadership and collaboration. “This event is a defining moment for Liberia. By assuming the FCWC Chairmanship, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to regional leadership and collaboration,” he stated.
Sustainable Practices and Resilience
Fred Antwi-Boadu, Executive Director of the Ghana Fisheries Commission and Chairman of the Advisory and Coordinating Committee, declared the conference open. He stressed the importance of promoting sustainable practices and ensuring the resilience of marine ecosystems. “Our focus is to promote decent work and sustainable practices within the fisheries sector while strengthening the resilience of our marine ecosystems,” he said.
Integrated Governance
FCWC Secretary-General Antoine Gaston Djihinto underscored the complexity of challenges facing the fisheries sector. He called for integrated, responsible, and sustainable governance of fisheries resources that combines rational exploitation and conservation while offering equitable social and economic benefits.
The conference will continue with two days of technical discussions, culminating in the Ministerial meeting on December 13, 2024, at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Monrovia.
Contact Information
For more details, please contact:
Lewis E.B. Konoe
Director, Communications and Media Services
National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA)
Freeport, Bushrod Island, Monrovia, Liberia
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