World Bank Renews Commitment To Boosting Liberia’s Fishery Sector

Country Director: ‘We’re Building Foundation Brighter Future

The Liberian fishery sector which before recently was a mere domain of artisan, amateur, subsistence chore of poor farmers has lately gained enormous traction as an emerging mainstay of the country’s economic recovery efforts.

One of the key catalysts of this spiraled positive transformation is the World Bank Group office in Liberia which has left no stone unturned in leveraging its innovation and resources in enlivening the once “hidden gem” of the Liberian economy.

Making remarks at a two-day training workshop held September 10, 2024 at a local hotel in Monrovia, World Bank Country Manager Georgia Wallen said the series of fishery sector efforts in the country are intended to set the foundation for advancing the core goals of improving fisheries management and building technical capacity in this vital sector for Liberia’s people and its economy.

Wallen indicated that the World Bank was committed to its mission of ending extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity on a livable planet, including through Bank financing for the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries project.

“Our support for the fisheries and agriculture sector is anchored in the pursuit of our mission,” the World Bank executive said at the even held on the theme, “Developing of a Small-Scale Fisheries Training Curriculum for Future Leaders: Applying the Illuminating Hidden Harvests Global Approach for Assessments, Analysis and Monitoring of Small-Scale Fisheries”.

She added: “Today’s event represents an investment in Liberia’s future leaders in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.  Adoption of the ‘Illuminating Hidden Harvests Global Approach for Assessments, Analysis, and Monitoring of Small-Scale Fisheries’ is an important step forward.”

On behalf of the World Bank, Ms. Wallen extended sincere congratulations to all stakeholders for tremendous ongoing commitment and collaboration.

“I would like to especially recognize the Government of Liberia, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, and the University of Liberia for steadfast commitment to this endeavor,” he said, noting that their continued leadership and dedication would be essential for sustaining the progress that is underway.

Speaking to the exigency of the event, Ms. Wallen further noted that it would help set the foundation for advancing the core goals of improving fisheries management and building technical capacity in this vital sector for Liberia’s people and its economy.

“The World Bank is committed to our mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity on a livable planet, including through Bank financing for the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries project,” she said. “Our support for the fisheries and agriculture sector is anchored in the pursuit of our mission.”

She expressed delight that the establishment of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Science Program (FASP) at the University of Liberia has become a key outcome of partnership through the project, as the  FASP has transformative potential, focusing on building human resource capacity needed for effective fisheries management, agriculture, fish, processing, and marketing.

These skills are essential for meeting the needs of the Liberian people – cutting across both the public and private sectors, she stressed.

According to her, the FASP is directly aligned with Liberia national development goals, particularly in the areas of food, security, resource conservation, capacity building, research, and sustainable fisheries management.

Equipping the next generation of Liberia’s leaders with knowledge and expertise to sustainably manage Liberians’ vast aquatic resources is vital for safeguarding Liberia’s rich marine resources for the long term, Madam Wallen said.

He continued: “We are delighted that a wide range of students have shown keen interest in the FASP, with over 100 students enrolling in the first two semesters. This is testament to the program’s relevance and its critical role in cultivating technical expertise that will help shape Liberia’s fisheries sector in years to come.”

Looking ahead, she asserted, the World Bank eagerly awaits the completion of another significant project milestone: the construction of the regional center of excellence for fisheries sciences, and governance at the University of Liberia.

The Center, supported by the project, would facilitate faculty training. Once operational, it can position Liberia as a regional for expertise and knowledge sharing and fisheries science and governance, he said.

“These efforts represent important investments in Liberia’s next generation of leaders and the future of Liberia fisheries and aquaculture sector.  Together, we are building a foundation for long-term success and a brighter future for all Liberians.”