BY: MOHAMED SAHR
In a concerted effort to bolster food security, enhance livelihoods, and fortify sustainability within fishing communities along coastal regions, Goal Sierra Leone and the Government of Sierra Leone have embarked on a groundbreaking initiative. The official launch of the Climate and Blue Economy Resilience Projects took place on Tuesday at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, signifying a pivotal step towards addressing pressing challenges in the blue economy sector.
Benjamin Bockarie, the Program Coordinator for Blue Economy, Food Security, and Livelihoods at Goal Sierra Leone, emphasized the multifaceted objectives of the projects. These include the development of sustainable fisheries, the promotion of alternative livelihoods for coastal communities, and the conservation of critical marine ecosystems with a specific focus on climate change adaptation. Bockarie underscored the vital role of mangroves in supporting fish farming and mitigating climate change impacts.
A key aim of the blue economy projects is to bolster food and nutrition security, particularly among communities reliant on small-scale fishing. Bockarie emphasized the importance of collaboration between artisanal fishing sectors and government ministries to enhance the management of marine resources and biodiversity.
Furthermore, Goal Sierra Leone pledged to collaborate with stakeholders in the blue economy sector to restore degraded mangroves and shield coastal communities from climate change-related threats. Financial inclusion, livelihood diversification, and entrepreneurship were identified as major challenges that need to be addressed to promote the trajectory of the blue economy.
Mrs. Soccoh Kabia, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, highlighted the partnership’s objective to enhance food security and the nutritional value chain in the fishing industry. She addressed the pervasive issue of illegal fishing and the use of harmful fishing nets, which have posed significant threats to the blue economy’s improvement.
Madam Keyeh Ballay, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, emphasized the pivotal role of technology and innovation in fostering economic growth and efficiency within the fishing industry. She stressed the importance of diversifying resources and building climate change resilience to drive Sierra Leone’s economic development forward.
Sheku Sei, Head of Artisanal Fisheries, Inland Fisheries, and Aquaculture at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted the alignment of the projects with the “Feed Salone” initiative, aimed at promoting food and nutrition security nationwide. He emphasized the critical contribution of artisanal fishing to the country’s food supply and reiterated the ministry’s commitment to revolutionizing the blue economy.
The launch of the Climate and Blue Economy Resilience Projects signifies a significant step towards addressing food security, livelihood enhancement, and environmental sustainability in Sierra Leone’s coastal regions. Through collaborative efforts between government entities, NGOs, and other stakeholders, the initiative aims to catalyze positive change and foster resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
