A Consortium of Environmental Advocates (CONSEA) has partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other organizations to raise awareness and educate the public on the importance of protecting wetlands that contain mangrove forests in Liberia.
As a demonstration of its commitment, CONSEA has launched a one-year conservation project targeting the 72nd and Police Academy wetlands, which feature extensive mangrove forests. The project, supported by Conservation International (CI) and implemented by CONSEA, was officially launched at Spicy Lodge and Entertainment located along the 72ndBoulevard’s Mangrove Forest in Paynesville, Montserrado County.
Dr. Anderson Flomo, Jr. Executive Director of CONSEA, stated that the project aims to address the abuse and misuse of the 72nd and Police Academy mangrove forests through awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and social programs for the two communities, focusing particularly on disadvantaged youth who lack life-changing opportunities.
Dr. Flomo mentioned that CONSEA has already provided two brand-new car washing machines to disadvantaged youths who are making a living from car washing around the 72nd and Police Academy wetlands. This initiative aims to transition them from manual washing to a more productive method. Additionally, there are two tricycles ready to transport wastes from mangrove areas to a designated site.
Furthermore, the project plans to construct latrines in the project areas to reduce open defecation and mitigate the misuse and abuse of the mangrove forests.
The project will also implement a waste management program involving community members and disadvantaged youths, who will be tasked with coordinating proper waste disposal around the mangrove forests. Dr. Flomo emphasized that garbage bins will be constructed around the 72nd and Police Academy wetlands to ensure proper waste disposal.
“This project is being carried out in collaboration with key institutions, including the EPA, the Commissioner of Congo Town, the Ministry of Health, the Monrovia City Corporation, and the Paynesville City Corporation, among others”, said Dr. Flomo.
In addition to the mangrove conservation project, Dr. Flomo, who is also an Attorney-At Law, revealed that CONSEA will launch a climate change education program in high schools to sensitize students about the effects of climate change, particularly in light of the escalating climate crisis worldwide, and advocate for the development and reform of environmental policies that address health challenges.
Plans are also underway to expand the project to other communities across the country as part of efforts to mitigate climate change and promote a safe and healthy environment for all.
