Integrated Coastal Zone Management Framework Plan in Liberia (ICZM Liberia)

Liberia

Dates : 2021-2022

Project leader: Climate Technology Center and Network

Classification

Risks

Solutions

Actors

Costs

Summary

The coastal zone is one of Liberia’s greatest environmental and economic assets. Yet, its evolution is considered as one of the most dynamic processes affecting the area. The Climate Technology Center and Network’s project seeks to support the formulation of an Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) policy framework. The ICZM policy formulation will be a dynamic, multidisciplinary and iterative process to promote the sustainable management of coastal zones. Over the long-term, it aims to effectively balance environmental, socio-economic, cultural and recreational objectives; to reduce ecosystem degradation; and to conserve and maintain existing ecosystems from potential climate change impacts. To this end, the project involves local communities and key stakeholders in the decision-making of sustainable environmental management.

Actions

The Climate Technology Center and Network’s project seeks to support the formulation of an Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) policy framework. The policy framework should entail:  

  • the promotion of integrated planning and coordination of coastal developments across the various sectors. 
  • the promotion of sustainable economic development to secure livelihoods of coastal communities. 
  • the conservation of coastal and marine resources to ensure sustainable development. 
  • the management of environmental risks associated with changes in shoreline and climate. 
  • the development of capacities in research and education and the enhancement of stakeholder’s awareness and participation in sustainable resource management. 
  • the establishment of effective institutional and legal frameworks for implementation of the ICZM policy.

In the very short term (within a year), the project includes the development of an implementation guide to ensure that the policy framework is endorsed and implemented. In the mid-term (3-5 years), the policy framework will pursue improved understanding from institutions and citizens on the importance to protect coastal zones, and ensure the conservation of the mangroves and marine zones.

Outcomes

Women are the main actors in the fishing activities (processing and selling of fish) on the beaches in coastal communities of Liberia. To overcome the barrier of non-gender inclusion, providing mitigation and adaptation measures that will have direct positive impact or result on vulnerable women, children, youth and disable groups is essential. As such, a timely emergency response team should be instituted to prioritize these populations in times of potential risk of flooding. Their inclusion also applies to Community-based Organizations (CBOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) dealing with coastal zone protection issues.

Defining a dissemination strategy and establishing a specific organization to ensure key stakeholders’ attendance and contribution to the plan is necessary to the completion of the project. 

Partners

Technical partners : Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia, NDE, NDA, Integrated Coastal Zone Management Unite, Ministry of Mine and Energy, Heads of Standing Committees on Environment and Natural Resources of the Senate and the House of Representatives, Commissioner of Liberia Maritime Authority, Community Youth Empowerment (CYE) , Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) , Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) Alliance Consulting Engineers (ACE), University of Liberia, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), National Fishery Authority (NaFAA), Initiative for Youth and Children Advancement (I-IYOCA )

Financial partners: CTNTC through UNIDO

Resources

CTCN website – Project factsheet and documentation: https://www.ctc-n.org/technical-assistance/projects/establishment-integrated-coastal-zone-management-iczm-plan-protect