2021-08-06
Liberia’s Blue Economy Strategy Awaits Full Implementation Amid Promising Economic Prospects
Dr. John Nyemah Natt Jr., Consultant for the African Union – Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), who developed the strategy, has called for the urgent implementation of Liberia’s Blue Economy Strategy, highlighting its potential to drive sustainable economic growth and environmental resilience.
Speaking on the status of the strategy, Dr. Natt emphasized that while the framework has been validated, full-scale implementation is yet to commence. However, there have been positive signs from the Government of Liberia to securing support for the establishment of a secretariat to implement the strategy.
“We have engaged with the President’s Office through the SEG Group to ensure that the strategy is factored into the national agenda for economic prosperity. The President has responded positively to its implementation,” Dr. Natt said.
He acknowledged the contributions of the Sustainable Environmental Goals (SEG) Group in championing the strategy both nationally and internationally.
Establishment of Blue Economy Secretariat Key to Implementation
Dr. Natt stressed the need to establish the Blue Economy Secretariat, which will serve as the primary coordinating body for stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector players, and international partners. According to him, the absence of this institutional structure has hindered progress and should be addressed immediately.
“The official launch of the strategy and the operationalization of the Secretariat will mark the beginning of concrete steps toward execution,” he added.
Economic Prospects: A Key Driver of GDP Growth
Dr. Natt outlined projections indicating that effective implementation of the Blue Economy Strategy could contribute between 20-30% of Liberia’s GDP by 2030. Dr. Natt outlined seven key sectors within the Blue Economy Strategy that require immediate action.
