Liberia joins FiTI

The Republic of Liberia has taken a significant step towards enhancing fisheries governance by joining the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI). This commitment demonstrates the country’s political will to improve transparency and participation for the benefit of a more sustainable management of its marine fisheries.

The commitment was formalised by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Liberia’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) and the FiTI. This agreement establishes a collaboration framework to coordinate activities related to enhancing the transparency of fisheries management in Liberia through the implementation of the FiTI Standard.

Honourable J. Cyrus Saygbe, Sr, NaFAFA’s Acting-Director General emphasised the strategic importance of this collaboration with the FiTI, stating “As Acting Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), we are proud to affirm Liberia’s commitment to greater transparency and accountability in the fisheries sector through our engagement with the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI). By joining FiTI, Liberia is taking a significant step toward ensuring that information about our fisheries governance, including policies, laws, management practices, and access agreements, is publicly available and accessible to all stakeholders. This commitment enhances trust, promotes sustainable resource management, attracts responsible investment, and empowers coastal communities by involving them more meaningfully in the stewardship of our marine resources. Through FiTI, Liberia aims to set a strong example of open and inclusive governance in West Africa’s fisheries sector”.

The FiTI is welcoming Liberia among the growing list of countries that globally improve transparency in marine fisheries to ensure the sustainability of this vital natural resource.