Monrovia — Tears flowed, applause echoed, and stories of transformation filled the room as Conservation International (CI) Liberia officially closed the Swedish-funded Blue Oceans Program (BOP) on Friday, marking the end of a six-year initiative that reshaped livelihoods, strengthened marine conservation and empowered hundreds of women across southeastern Liberia.
For many beneficiaries, the event was more than a closing ceremony--it was a celebration of a journey that lifted families out of poverty, strengthened community ownership of natural resources and demonstrated that environmental protection can drive economic growth.
Held under the theme:, "From Ocean Threats to Solutions: Our Work Builds Sustainable Livelihoods and Empowers Local Communities," the ceremony brought together beneficiaries from Maryland, Grand Kru, River Cess and Sinoe Counties alongside government officials, development partners, civil society organizations and members of the diplomatic community.
Speaking at the event, Conservation International Liberia Country Director, Momodu M. Kemokai, described the Blue Oceans Program as a bold investment in Liberia's coastal future.
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"The program strengthened institutional capacity, improved fisheries management, enhanced coastal conservation, and empowered communities to become stewards of their natural resources," Mr. Kemokai said.
Backed by the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the initiative delivered significant results over six years, including the creation of more than 300 green jobs, support to 506 women through revolving loans totaling over US$124,000, grants to communities and civil society organizations and the establishment of key frameworks to guide Liberia's growing blue economy.
Delivering the keynote address, Swedish Ambassador to Liberia Karl Backeus highlighted the program's remarkable achievements, describing it as a model for sustainable development built on local leadership and community participation.
Among its major accomplishments were Liberia's first national mangrove inventory, the establishment of a Blue Economy Secretariat, validation of the National Blue Economy Strategic Roadmap, 19 conservation agreements, renewable energy support for coastal communities, and the launch of Liberia's chapter of the Global Mangrove Alliance.
Mr. Backeus emphasized that one of the program's most enduring successes was the empowerment of women.
"One of the most inspiring achievements has been the empowerment of women through fishmongers' cooperatives," he said.
"These cooperatives have strengthened livelihoods, expanded access to markets, and elevated the role of women in local economies."
While celebrating the program's achievements, the ambassador reminded stakeholders that lasting impact depends on sustained local commitment.
"The success of the Blue Oceans Program lies not only in what has been achieved but in the foundation that has been laid for future generations," he noted.
The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) also hailed the project as a landmark intervention in community-based conservation and economic empowerment.
NaFAA Director-General J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr. revealed that 14 community institutions and 11 mangrove communities directly benefited from the initiative through conservation agreements and livelihood support programs.
"Communities have become custodians of their own natural heritage," Mr. Saygbe said. "This program has shown that conservation is most effective when local people are empowered to lead."
The most emotional moments came from beneficiaries whose lives were transformed by the project.
Women from participating counties recounted how revolving loans, savings programs, farming support and conservation initiatives enabled them to expand businesses, send children to school, build homes and achieve financial independence.
Some spoke of starting with little or no income and eventually managing thriving cocoa, cassava and fish-processing businesses.
Others described how village savings and loan associations created under the project provided women with access to capital and strengthened their ability to support their families without relying on external assistance.
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Anthony S. Kollie Sr., praised the Government of Sweden and Conservation International for helping strengthen environmental governance, fisheries management and community resilience.
He called for similar interventions to be expanded to other coastal counties, stressing that the need for conservation and economic empowerment remains critical.
"The project may be ending, but our responsibility to protect our oceans and uplift coastal communities continues," Mr. Kollie said.
As the curtain falls on the Blue Oceans Program, stakeholders say its true success will be measured not only by restored mangroves and protected fisheries, but by the thousands of lives touched and the communities now better equipped to chart their own path toward sustainable development.
For the women, fishermen and families whose lives were transformed, the program's closure is not the end of a story--it is the beginning of a new chapter built on resilience, opportunity and hope.
