A Blue Week in Libya: Protecting Marine Life and Building a Blue Economy
This past week, Libya witnessed a vibrant series of marine-focused activities — from a training workshop on marine biodiversity and protected areas management in Zuwara, to technical field visits evaluating fish farms across the country. Different initiatives, yet all driven by the same vision: safeguarding marine resources and investing in them sustainably for future generations.
Protecting Marine Biodiversity in Zuwara
In Zuwara, the national training workshop on monitoring marine biodiversity and managing protected areas entered its fourth day, organized by the Ministry of Environment in partnership with the Regional Activity Center for Specially Protected Areas (SPA/RAC), WWF, and the Besida Association for the Protection of Farwa Island and Lagoon.
Day four of the program stood out for its field activities: one group of trainees set out by boat from Zuwara port to monitor marine mammals around Farwa Island, while another group conducted hands-on training within Farwa Lagoon, assessing Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows — a crucial ecosystem in the Mediterranean. Later, the groups exchanged roles to gain full experience before gathering in the evening for applied lessons on studying and evaluating seagrass ecosystems. These efforts reflect a growing commitment to strengthening local capacities in monitoring and protecting Libya’s marine environment.
Strengthening Aquaculture in Eastern Libya
Meanwhile, in eastern Libya, a technical committee began its mission of assessing aquaculture farms under the guidance of the National Aquaculture Project. During a visit to a model private fish farm in Al-Tamimi, the committee evaluated technical and administrative conditions, offering recommendations to improve operations and boost productivity.
Project director Dr. Masouda Abuarosha emphasized that such field visits are part of a broader national strategy to develop aquaculture as a pillar of Libya’s blue economy. The goal is not only to improve food security but also to encourage local investment, create new jobs, and unlock the economic potential of areas unsuitable for traditional farming.
Watching these initiatives unfold, it is clear that Libya holds vast potential to become a regional leader in marine conservation and the blue economy. The road ahead is long, but these activities send hopeful signals: awareness is growing, and there is an investment in knowledge, training, and monitoring. If such efforts are maintained with solid planning and continuity, they could pave the way for a new era in Libya’s marine life — one where the sea is not only a natural treasure but also a source of pride and opportunity for generations to come.
A Blue Week in Libya: Protecting Marine Life and Building a Blue Economy
