The Acting Director-General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), Mr. J. Cyrus Saygbe, welcomed Mr. Stefan Ulfarson, a UNESCO GRÓ Specialist from the Fisheries Training Programme (FTP) of the Government of Iceland, to Liberia. The visit marks the resumption of Iceland’s long- and short-term fisheries training initiatives in Liberia — a partnership that has played a pivotal role in building the technical and institutional capacity of NaFAA’s workforce over the past decade.
Speaking during the meeting at NaFAA’s headquarters on the Bushrod Island, Acting Director-General Saygbe expressed profound appreciation to the Government and people of Iceland for their unwavering support to Liberia’s fisheries sector. He noted that Iceland’s assistance has greatly contributed to improving the professional standards and performance of Liberian fisheries experts. “The level of intervention from Iceland has greatly contributed to transforming the knowledge and performance of Liberia’s fisheries professionals,” Acting DG Saygbe stated.
“Through training opportunities and technical exchanges, our staff have gained valuable expertise in sustainable fisheries management, monitoring, and aquaculture development.” Mr. Ulfarson, in his remarks, reaffirmed Iceland’s strong commitment to strengthening human capacity within Liberia’s fisheries sector. He emphasized that renewed collaboration between the Fisheries Training Programme and NaFAA will focus on technical training, knowledge sharing, and institutional development to ensure the sector remains a key driver of economic growth and food security in Liberia.
“Our partnership with Liberia remains a priority for Iceland,” said Mr. Ulfarson. “We believe that empowering fisheries professionals with the right skills and education is fundamental to building a sustainable and productive sector.” The Fisheries Training Programme (FTP), under the auspices of UNESCO GRÓ and funded by the Government of Iceland, has supported capacity-building programs for fisheries institutions across Africa, including Liberia, since 2008.
NaFAA remains committed to strengthening this partnership and ensuring that Liberian fisheries professionals continue to benefit from world-class training that supports sustainable fisheries management, food security, and livelihood improvement across coastal communities.
