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European Union

Margibi County Collaborative Association Marks Milestone in Sustainable Fisheries Management

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Margibi County Collaborative Association (CMA) held its second induction ceremony for newly elected officials under the European Union-funded Communities for Fisheries Project. The event, held in Marshall City, marked a significant milestone in Margibi's fishing communities' renewed commitment to sustainable fisheries and community-led ocean stewardship. The CMA, formed under the EU-funded project, empowers local communities to collaborate directly with the Liberia National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) to oversee fisheries compliance, ocean monitoring, and conservation efforts along Liberia's coastline.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Margibi County Collaborative Association (CMA) has inducted new officials under the European Union-funded Communities for Fisheries Project, marking a pivotal moment in Margibi's fishing communities' commitment to sustainable fisheries and community-led ocean stewardship.
  • The CMA, formed under the EU-funded project, empowers local communities to collaborate directly with NaFAA to oversee fisheries compliance, ocean monitoring, and conservation efforts along Liberia's coastline.
  • Maria Winnubst, Program Officer of the European Union Delegation to Liberia, emphasized the significance of the event and the evolving role of CMAs in Liberia's fisheries governance, praising the presence of women among the newly elected officials.
  • Winnubst stressed the importance of regular leadership renewal for integrity and vision, highlighting the vital role of the CMA officials as frontline representatives linking communities to NaFAA.
  • Associate Director for Marine Fisheries at NaFAA, Anthony Yokie, reinforced the critical importance of CMAs in managing Liberia's fisheries resources, noting their essential role in conflict resolution within fishing communities and in representing NaFAA's interests locally.
  • The CMA's contributions to hunger reduction, poverty alleviation, and biodiversity preservation were acknowledged by Yokie, who urged CMAs to work hard for a sustainable fisheries sector.
  • The EU has aligned with NaFAA's plans to extend the support to all nine coastal counties, with Maria Winnubst affirming the EU's ongoing commitment to the initiative.
  • Seven CMAs have been established so far across four counties, including three in Grand Cape Mount, one in Margibi, one in Grand Bassa, and two in Grand Kru.
  • CMAs are responsible for supporting NaFAA with ensuring compliance with fisheries laws and regulations, as well as monitoring ocean and river activities.

Statistics:

  • Four counties (Grand Cape Mount, Margibi, Grand Bassa, and Grand Kru) are currently supported by the project, with plans to extend to all nine coastal counties.
  • Seven CMAs have been established across these counties.
  • The CMA's role in combating illegal fishing and maintaining community-driven conservation initiatives is crucial.
  • The CMA is responsible for supporting NaFAA with ensuring compliance with fisheries laws and regulations.
  • CMAs are also responsible for monitoring ocean and river activities.

Sources:

  • "Margibi County Collaborative Association (CMA) holds second induction ceremony for newly elected officials under European Union-funded Communities for Fisheries Project." (No date)
  • Maria Winnubst, Program Officer of the European Union Delegation to Liberia (Interview with Grand Cape Mount County Region I and the Grand Bassa County CMAs' Presidents)
  • Anthony Yokie, Associate Director for Marine Fisheries at NaFAA (Interview with Grand Cape Mount County Region I and the Grand Bassa County CMAs' Presidents)
  • Olivia P. Livingstone, Technical Officer for Fisheries, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Research Support at the EJF (Interview with Grand Cape Mount County Region I and the Grand Bassa County CMAs' Presidents)

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