The Minister of Information Jerolinmek Piah, has stressed the ardent need for communication strategy to enhance government development agenda in all sectors, especially in its blue economy drive. Piah said, the media plays a pivotal role in information dissemination that creates the necessary awareness for citizens to make informed decisions, and contribute responsibly to development programs. He made the assertion on Wednesday, July 8, when he launched the “Inaugural Open Media House” at the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) headquarters in Monrovia. Piah said, the launched will serve as a medium for active communication, messaging, coordination and a conduit to collaborate a vibrant sustainable fishery sector. Despite the enormous contribution NaFAA has made, Piah said, mainstream journalists have yet to capture the inroad of the fisheries and ocean sector. He said, the launch would allow the media to showcase how the country marine and coastal resources serve as a source that provides a livelihood for Liberians through food security, as well as generate economic opportunities and immensely contribute to national development. Piah said, the media engagement will enable journalists to educate the public on the importance of marine resources, sustainable fishing practices, ocean conservation and the availability in the blue economy. He added: “Informed citizens are likely to support policies that would help protect the marine environment. Meanwhile, media coverage will encourage responsible fishing practices, and support government efforts to sustainably manage fish stocks for future generation, and highlights issues such as overfishing, illegal fishing, marine pollution and the destruction of habitat.” Consequently, he said, the media forum will enhance transparency and accountability by allowing journalists to report about unreported, and loose fishing activities, which “deprive Liberians of valuable revenue that threatens marine biodiversity.” Mr. Piah believes that good communication will serve as a center stage in reporting on the blue economy at NaFAA through the media. NaFAA Deputy Director General, Mardea Magbollah said, the necessity of the Forum is to breach the communication gap between the public and the sector. The initiative, Madam Magbollah said, will afford journalists the opportunity to be abreast with the workings of the sector, and to give them a clear narrative and understanding of the blue economy, which will afford journalists the opportunity to disseminate information necessary not just to the public, but development partners.
Madam Magbollah said, a proactive media coverage of NaFAA will demonstrate transparency and accountability to create confidence that will harness a stronger partnership with the current partners, who have contributed to the viability of the sector.