By E. Chiedi Nyenmoh
MONROVIA, June 10 (LINA) – The Government of Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to mutual dedication of the sustainable use, protection, and restoration of Liberia’s ocean and marine ecosystems.
Making remarks on June 9, 2025, at the “Africa for Ocean Summit” in Nice, France, the Vice President of Liberia, Jeremiah K. Koung said that Liberia is inspired by a shared commitment to unlock the full potential of Africa’s Ocean for sustainable development and prosperity.
This Africa for the Ocean Summit which brings together policy makers, scientists, entrepreneurs, community leaders and youth, according to the Liberian Vice President, will help sustain, protect and restore Liberia ocean and marine ecosystems.
“I believe that this Summit is more than just a dialogue, it is a platform to explore new solutions and forge partnerships that empower Africa to lead in the global blue economy,” VP Koung said.
He pointed out that Liberia marine and coastal areas support thousands of artisanal fishers in communities and provide shelter for species that are of national and regional importance, adding that, “Liberia is deeply concerned by the growing threats to its ocean, and it has taken concrete actions to protect its marine environment.”
“Overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction, and the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise and coastal erosion are threatening the very foundation of our blue economy,” he said.
Additionally, VP Koung said, Liberia has developed a National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy and implemented a fisheries monitoring and surveillance program to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
According to him, Liberia is also expanding marine protected areas and strengthening local coastal governance through community-based approaches stating that, “we cannot do this alone! The ocean knows no borders, and the challenges we face are real”.
VP Koung, however, called for stronger regional cooperation through the African Union’s Blue Economy Strategy and the African Coastal and Marine Strategy.
He urged greater international support in the form of finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building to empower African coastal states to sustainably manage the ocean resources.
“Let us remember: the ocean is Africa’s heritage, and its future depends on our collective stewardship,” he noted.
He pointed out that Liberia stands ready to work with all partners to ensure that the ocean continues to sustain life, dignity, and prosperity for generations to come.
