FAO, MoA and Partners Adopt Measures for Implementing VGGT in Liberia
Monrovia- June 14, 2016 - A national stakeholders’ dialogue on the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests (VGGT) in the Context of National Food Security in Liberia, has adopted a proposed institutional framework on the implementation of the VGGT in the country.
The three-day forum, organized by FAO and partners, was held under the theme “Establishment of the VGGT Governance and Institutional Framework to Facilitate VGGT Implementation”, and brought together traditional chiefs, elders, civil society organizations, the private sector, food sector partners as well as academicians. The VGGT initiative is funded by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture of the Federal republic of Germany.
Support to Government’s poverty eradication and food security efforts
This initiative will buttress efforts of the Government of Liberia in the eradication of poverty, ensuring the progressive realization of the rights to adequate food, sustainable livelihoods, and social stability for sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the opening of the conference, Mr. Sizi Subah, Deputy Minister for Technical Services at the Ministry of Agriculture, noted that the VGGT is a collective effort of all stakeholders including citizens. He called for a combined ownership of the governance in order that all actors will understand and play their roles and responsibilities in the implementation of the VGGT plan.
Receiving the implementation plan on behalf of FAO in Liberia, FAO’s Country Representative, Mr. Marc Abdala said: “Liberia is blessed with abundant land, forests and marine resources. Therefore granting equitable and fair access to these resources is key to development which is one of the objectives of the Liberian Government.” Mr. Abdala disclosed that more 8 countries are currently implementing the VGGT and finding innovative ways to improve their tenure governance systems.
The VGGT is also expected to improve tenure governance, by providing guidance and the way forward through international best practices, contribute to the improvement and development of policies, legal and organizational frameworks regarding the range of tenure rights that exist on forests, land and fisheries.
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Contact:
Snotee O. Sorboh, Communications, FAO-Liberia