As the REDD+ activities under the Liberia forest sector Project (LFSP) gradually come to an end, the need to showcase the successes of the project cannot be overemphasized.
The Liberia Forest Sector Project (LFSP) is working with several stakeholders across Liberia to increase visibility on its activities in order to inform their decisions and take positive actions to safeguard and conserve Liberia’s ‘beautiful’ forests that are threatened by deforestation and degradation.
One of the surest ways to meet the target of the initiative called Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) is the engagement of stakeholders at the sub-national level.
To this end, a consortium of four Liberian organizations; Partners in Development (PADEV), the Nature Compact (TNC), GREENLIFE West Africa and the Eddie Theatre Production is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that REDD+ visibility is felt throughout the 8 implementing counties. The consortium which was hired by the FDA to implement the communication component of the Liberia forest Sector Project-titled ”Communication and stakeholders Engagement” recently ended a one-day symposium with students in Tubmanburg, Bomi County to acquaint them with REDD activities.
Participants at the strategic symposium were drawn from the Forestry Training Institute (FTI), Bomi Community College (BCC) and the St. Dominic Catholic High School.
Understanding REDD+
Mr. Borwen L. Sayon, one of the consortium partners said the symposium was aimed at creating more understanding of national REDD+ initiative and communicating the REDD+ success and gains. He said it was significant to involve stakeholders in the REDD+ implementation process irrespective of their status in society and students are of no exception. Mr. Sayon added that engagement like the day-long strategic symposium will further increase the knowledge of students to serve as ambassadors in communicating REDD+ messages.
“This symposium was intended to raise the profile of REDD+ at the local level to identify the role of stakeholders in REDD+ implementation”, Borwen added.
Mr. Sayon who also heads of the Nature Compact further stated that symposium focused on REDD+ communication messaging and awareness making the students understand the importance of sustainable forest management.
During the program, Saah A. David, Jr., the Liberia’s National REDD+ Coordinator, made a presentation outlining several achievements of the REDD+ initiates in Liberia.
FTI partnerships benefit students
Speaking earlier, Joel Gamys, Executive Director of Forestry Training Institute lauded the FDA and the consortium group for what he termed “knowledgeable venture” that will increase the students’ learning capacity. Director Gamys disclosed the FTI partnership with TNC, FDA and other conservation will go a long way as it is immensely benefiting forestry students by giving them opportunities for internship and employment.
Mr. Gamys also stated that FTI has recently launched its five-year strategic plan of action (2022-2027) some of which are consistent with the REDD+ initiative.
