Africa-Press – Liberia. Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has issued a passionate appeal for increased international cooperation and investment in the sustainable management of Africa’s marine resources, calling the ocean “Africa’s heritage” and warning of the growing threats that imperil its future.
Speaking recently at the Africa for the Ocean Summit held in Nice, France, Vice President Koung joined global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, and Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa of Morocco, in discussing Africa’s role in the global blue economy.
“I bring you warm greetings from His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia,” Koung began, acknowledging the leadership and vision of African heads of state and global partners present at the gathering.
He described the summit as “more than just a dialogue,” calling it “a platform to explore new solutions and forge partnerships that empower Africa to lead in the global blue economy.”
Vice President Koung highlighted Liberia’s rich coastal resources and their importance to national development. “Liberia, with over 580 kilometers of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, recognizes the ocean as a vital source of livelihoods, food security, economic growth, and climate regulation,” he said. “Our marine and coastal areas support thousands of artisanal fishers and provide shelter for species that are of national and regional importance.”
But Koung also issued a sober warning about the mounting pressures on marine ecosystems across the continent. “We are deeply concerned by the growing threats to our ocean. 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 cautioned.
To address these challenges, he outlined Liberia’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its ocean resources. “We have developed a National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy and implemented a fisheries monitoring and surveillance program to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing,” he explained. “We are also expanding marine protected areas and strengthening local coastal governance through community-based approaches.”
Still, Koung was clear that domestic efforts alone are not enough.
“But we cannot do this alone!” he declared. “The ocean knows no borders, and the challenges we face are real. Liberia calls for stronger regional cooperation through the African Union’s Blue Economy Strategy and the African Coastal and Marine Strategy.”
He also urged the international community to back African coastal nations with critical support. “We urge greater international support in the form of finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building to empower African coastal states to sustainably manage our ocean resources,” he said.
Ending his address on a hopeful yet urgent note, Vice President Koung reminded the global audience of the continent’s shared responsibility: “Let us remember: the ocean is Africa’s heritage, and its future depends on our collective stewardship. Liberia stands ready to work with all partners to ensure that the ocean continues to sustain life, dignity, and prosperity for generations to come.”
The Africa for the Ocean Summit brought together leaders, scientists, entrepreneurs, and civil society actors with the shared goal of unlocking Africa’s ocean potential while addressing the escalating climate and environmental threats facing marine ecosystems.
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