Highlights Blue Economy and Ocean Protection
Monrovia, Liberia – Liberia is hosting the 8th Annual Conference of the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) for the first time in its maritime history. Under the topic “Safeguarding Our Ocean, Promoting Decarbonization in Shipping, and Exploring Africa’s Blue Economy Potential,” the four-day event draws together maritime leaders and professionals from all around Africa at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.
Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., Commissioner and CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority, led the inaugural session and spoke on Liberia’s historic leadership and involvement in maritime governance worldwide. Even though Liberia is a major player in international shipping, this is the first time the AAMA conference has been held locally.
Commissioner Lighe stated, “We are delighted that you are here in Liberia and your knowledge and experience will greatly benefit the conversations and discussions in the days ahead.” He stressed the importance of the meeting, pointing out that Africa’s marine industry is now dealing with significant difficulties.
According to him, these difficulties include, but are not restricted to, environmental degradation, infrastructure deficiencies, geopolitical tensions, piracy, and regulatory loopholes. Although these problems are not impossible to resolve, no nation can solve them on its own because they cut across national borders.
In order to overcome these challenges and promote the marine potential of the continent, he defined AAMA as the institutional framework that allows African countries to cooperate, exchange knowledge, and coordinate their activities.
Commissioner Lighe also revealed Liberia’s five-year strategic plan to promote sustainable economic growth, which aggressively aligns the country with international marine trends.
The strategy offers a road map for creating new economic streams like ecotourism, seafaring, bunkering, ship demolition and recycling, and growing the local marine industry, he stated.
AAMA Chairman CPA Omae Nyarandi also spoke during the opening session, praising Liberia as a maritime powerhouse and a pillar of the world shipping sector. “We are all inspired by your dedication to the maritime cause,” said Nyarandi.
He pointed out that the conference’s theme is quite in line with Kenya’s national development strategy, which centers its economic transformation around the Sustainable Blue Economy.
“Our continent’s prosperity, food security, energy needs, and integration depend on our oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers, which are more than just bodies of water,” he stated.
Considering AAMA’s history since its inaugural conference in Ghana, Nyarandi acknowledged improvements but cautioned of enduring difficulties. Although it has changed, piracy still exists, unregulated and illegal fishing continues to deplete resources, marine pollution endangers ecosystems, and coasts are being eroded by climate change. He cautioned that “we still haven’t completely realized the promise of our Blue Economy.”
In a statement, EU Ambassador Nona Deprez reiterated the EU’s dedication to assisting Liberia and other African nations through the Global Gateway program.
According to Ambassador Deprez, the EU helps partner nations like Liberia by bridging the global investment gap in areas like technology, transportation, health, education, and above all climate and energy, where our interests are highly aligned.
In-depth talks aimed at improving regional collaboration, encouraging decarbonization in the shipping industry, tackling marine security risks, and unleashing the economic potential of Africa’s expansive maritime domain are anticipated as the conference progresses.
As stakeholders examine practical answers to common maritime problems and prospects for sustainable development, the 8th AAMA Conference is a significant event for Liberia and the continent.
