Streamlining fisheries management
Liberia digitises management processes
LIBERIA: The Management of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, NaFAA officially launched its Fisheries Integrated Management System earlier this month which will streamline the application, management, and licencing and authorisation of permits in the country’s fishing sector.
By embracing digitalisation, the Liberian Government can regulate fishing activities effectively, promote sustainability, and foster stakeholder collaboration.
Speaking officially during the go-live ceremony the Deputy Director General for Administration Augustine Musa Manoballah said by moving to an electronic data management system, NaFAA is not only keeping pace with the digital revolution but joined very few in setting a new standard for Government agencies in Liberia.
Manaballah, who thanked the World Bank for the financial support through the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project (LSMFP), said the go-live initiative will ensure a future where the fisherfolks, stakeholders, and partners will engage with the Government through NaFAA seamlessly, where transparency will be ideal and a daily reality.
He noted this is, as a result of NaFAA’s collaboration with Mwetana, the consultancy group behind the construction of the Go-Live platform.
“We have built a system that is robust, user-friendly, and tailored to the unique needs of our industry,” he said.
The new system will ensure among other things immediate efficiencies in licensing and permit issuance, long-term gains in the form of data analytics and strategic insights that were previously unattainable, the capability to make informed decisions based on real-time data, monitor resources more effectively, and respond swiftly to the community’s needs.
“This transition to a digital platform is a strong statement about our dedication to environmental sustainability. By reducing our paper usage, we are not only cutting costs but also lessening our ecological footprint. It is a move that aligns with global sustainability goals and reflects our responsibility towards the conservation of our marine ecosystems.”
“It is a commitment to our stakeholders and the future generations who will inherit our natural resources. Let us embrace this change with open arms and a spirit of continuous improvement.”
Making remarks, the World Bank Representative at the ceremony Zinnah Mulbah, Senior Environmental Specialist recognised the critical role the fisheries authority and noted that the Fisheries management system would improve the livelihoods of local fishermen across the country.
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