Liberia’s national biodiversity strategy and action plan

Fishery is an important economic activity for a significant proportion of the Liberian population, mainly for those who live along the coast. Besides the five (5) fishing enterprises, only four (4) companies are reporting fish production statistics. Fishing is also done by artisan fishermen, whose harvest is predominantly subsistence-oriented. The fishing resources off the Liberian coast in 1984 were believed to be considerable and included such well-known food fish as croaker, grunter, sea bream, mackerel, snapper, sole, graper , tuna, and various sardines. Shrimps, rock lobsters, crabs, and oysters were also caught. Inland subsistence fishing is carried out on the lagoons, swamps, streams, and rivers throughout the country. In 1988, a total of 1.3 million kilograms of fish was produced. Production declined drastically in 1999 to 449,400 kilograms, representing 65.4% when compared to 1988. The total reported catch in 2000 increased by 19.7% to 537,870 kilograms, but fell below the production of 1998 by 58.6%.

Forestry resources remain one of the most important economic assets of Liberia. In 2002, timber was the main export item contributing more than US$85 million to Liberia’s foreign exchange earnings. Besides sawn timber, round logs and charcoal are valued forest products. In 1998 round log export totaled US$12.3 million and rose to US$23.4 million in 1999, and increased to US$59.5 million in 2000. The absence of public electricity in the country for more than a decade has made wood the major source of energy, as only few affluent people can afford electric and gas cookers. In 1998, a total of 14,807 kilograms of charcoal was produced; this rose to 255,624 kilograms in 1999 and totaled 258,934 kilograms in 2000.

Mining, especially iron ore, was the mainstay of the Liberian economy during and up to 1989. But with the closure of iron ore mines due to the civil war (1989-2003), gold and diamond became the major activity in the sector. A significant amount is mined in the country by artisanal miners using crude production techniques. In 1998, a total of 7,741 carats of diamond and 2,318 ounces of gold were produced; gold production reduced to 550 ounces in 1999 and fell further to 482 ounces in 2000. Diamond production on the other hand gained momentum in 1999 with 8,437 carats and further increased to 22,112 carats in 2000.

The secondary sector comprises, mainly manufacturing, which is dominated by such key activities as food processing, wood-based products, and chemicals, cement, building materials and brewing of beverages. During 1998, a total of 5.2 million liters of non-alcoholic and 3.5 million liters of alcoholic beverages totaling 8.7 million liters were produced. The output of beverages declined significantly in 1999 to 5.6 million liters and fell further to 4.9 million liters in 2000. Paint output totaled 85,000 gallons in 1998 and 42,767 gallons in 1999; but fell to 37,366 gallons in 2000.