In the heart of West Africa, where the luxurious canopy of the Gola Forest National Park stretches across the horizon, a transformative conservation effort is underway.
The Society for the Conservation of Nature Liberia (SCNL), in partnership with Conservation International (CI), has launched a groundbreaking project valued at over three million US dollars. Backed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), this initiative aims to safeguard the forest’s rich biodiversity while uplifting the lives of communities who call its fringes home.
The funding will fuel research and livelihood support programs designed to enhance conservation practices and improve living standards for residents in and around the park. But this is more than just a financial investment—it’s a strategic move to place Liberia’s forests on the global conservation map.
Government Commitment and Regional Collaboration
The Liberian government, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), has pledged critical technical support to SCNL, Nature Compact, and Partners in Development (PADeV) throughout the project’s implementation. This effort forms part of the broader Guinean Forests Integrated Program, officially titled “Strengthening Conservation and Effective Governance of Liberia’s Critical Forests in the Northwest Liberia Landscape.”
Roger Emmou, CI’s Director of Program Delivery for West and Central Africa, underscored the urgency of spotlighting the Guinean Forests—an ecological treasure that spans Liberia, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Guinea. “Nowhere in international discussions have the Guinean Forests received such recognition,” Emmou remarked, drawing attention to the disparity in global awareness compared to the Amazon and Congo Basin. He emphasized CI’s commitment to elevating the region’s profile and mobilizing resources to match its ecological significance.
A Milestone for Conservation
For SCNL Program Manager Michael Taire, the project’s launch marks a pivotal moment. “This is a major milestone in our journey to protect Liberia’s forest landscapes and transboundary watersheds,” he said, expressing heartfelt gratitude to GEF for its generous support.
The initiative is designed not only to protect forests and water resources but also to strengthen governance, maximize environmental benefits, and guide communities toward sustainable practices. It’s a vision rooted in resilience and shared responsibility.
Building Synergy and Strengthening Oversight
Nora Browier, FDA’s Deputy Managing Director for Conservation and Carbon, revealed plans to formalize collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the FDA and EPA. “This MOU will create synergy between this project and others, ensuring that benefits reach forest-fringe communities and resonate nationally,” she explained.
Echoing this commitment, EPA Deputy Anthony Kollie affirmed the agency’s pivotal role in steering the project toward success. “This five-year initiative will promote integrated forest management, enhance local livelihoods, and strengthen governance across critical ecosystems,” he stated.
A Vision for the Future
With over three million dollars committed and a coalition of dedicated partners, the Liberia Guinean Forests Child Project stands as a beacon of hope—not just for Liberia, but for the entire Guinean forest region. Led by SCNL, PADeV, and Nature Compact, and supported by CI’s technical expertise, the project promises to reshape the narrative of forest conservation in West Africa.
