In a landmark move to strengthen biodiversity protection and community empowerment, the Liberia Conservation Fund (LCF) has signed a transformative grant agreement to support the East Nimba Nature Reserve (ENNR) with the Co-management Committee of the ENNR.
The in-kind grant, valued at USD $118,986 and administered by Conservation International Liberia (CI-Liberia), comes at a pivotal time for the ENNR, which suffered devastating wildfires earlier this year following reduced financial support.
The operationalization of the LCF and its first grant to ENNR marks a pivotal moment in Liberia’s conservation journey, blending ecological stewardship with sustainable development for forest-fringe communities. Critically for the ENNR, it proves to be a vital financial lifeline to prevent the irreversible loss of Liberia’s natural heritage.
Call for More Direct Support
In his brief remarks, Rudolph J. Merab, Managing Director of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), welcomed the grant agreement aimed at improving ecological services and community forest rangers at the East Nimba Nature Reserve (ENNR). He noted that while the initiative to support ENNR is commendable, there is a pressing need for partners to invest in sustainable agroforestry practices, such as cocoa, oil palm, and coffee cultivation. Mr. Merab recognized these impactful investments as vital conduits for enhancing the livelihoods of communities in a more sustainable manner.
He encouraged the community to take ownership of the project by actively participating in efforts to enhance the ecological value of the East Nimba Nature Reserve.
A Milestone for Biodiversity and Community Livelihoods Amid Growing Threats to the Reserve
At the signing ceremony, Madam Toushi Itoka, Executive Director of the Liberia Conservation Fund, hailed the occasion as a “giant step forward” in the country’s efforts to sustainably manage its protected areas. “Liberia is one of West Africa’s richest biodiversity treasures,” Itoka said, “but many communities living near our forests still lack basic necessities. They depend on the forest for food, medicine, and shelter.”
The ENNR, established in 2013 as Liberia’s second protected area after Sapo National Park, is globally recognized as a biodiversity hotspot. It is home to seven endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. The grant will fund four critical areas: law enforcement and biomonitoring patrols, boundary line clearing, community outreach and awareness, and oversight by the FDA.
This new financing is particularly critical given the rise of a series of threats to the ENNR. Following the loss of prior financial support, patrols and conservation activities stopped, while community awareness activities decreased in and around the reserve. As a result, employment of local frontline conservationists ceased, and the reserve experienced a rise in poaching activities. Worse still, a catastrophic fire broke out across the reserve in early 2025, further endangering its integrity and biodiversity. “This initial grant is a key first step to sustaining the ENNR and local communities, but it is by no means enough,” noted LCF President Andrew Schatz. “The LCF calls upon donors and partners to help us capitalize the Nimba Endowment, providing long-term sustainable financing for the ENNR and surrounding communities.”
From Vision to Action
The Liberia Conservation Fund was created in 2017 through a partnership between CI and the Government of Liberia, with CI contributing an initial $1 million to a Nimba Endowment Fund. Over the past eight years, the Endowment Fund has grown substantially, enabling LCF to begin realizing its vision of long-term, sustainable financing for protected areas.
“Our goal is to position the fund as a primary vehicle for channeling investment into conservation,” Itoka emphasized. “But these resources must also improve the lives of the communities that live in and around these ecosystems.”
The grant includes stipends for 40 community frontline conservationists, equipment, motorbikes, fuel, and support for 40 community dwellers involved in boundary clearing. It also funds outreach programs to raise awareness and strengthen FDA’s monitoring efforts.
“Forest protection cannot succeed without ensuring that local communities directly benefit”, the LCF Executive Director further maintained.
A Symbol of Trust and Partnership
CI Liberia Country Director Michael Momo Kemokai echoed the feeling, describing the grant as “not just a financial transaction—it is a symbol of trust, partnership, and a shared vision for a greener, more resilient Liberia.”
Kemokai praised the ENNR team for their dedication and the FDA for its leadership. “Together, we are demonstrating that collaboration is key to achieving lasting impact,” he said. “Let this signing be a stepping stone toward deeper cooperation and greater achievements in the months and years ahead.”
“This grant not only reinforces Liberia’s commitment to biodiversity but also sets a precedent for how conservation can be a driver of inclusive development”, said Mr. Kemokai.
Benefit to the Community
The funds will be used effectively by the community. Saye Thompson, the secretary of the East Nimba Nature Reserve co-management team, stated that sustainable eco-tourism investments, such as the Nimba Eco Lodge, can be replicated in other nationally protected areas through the efforts of the FDA.
He expressed gratitude to Conservation International (CI) and the Liberia Conservation Fund for the grant agreement. Thompson emphasized that empowering local communities through conservation initiatives will help reduce the pressure on protected areas, resulting in long-term benefits.
He pledged the community’s full commitment to collaborating with the FDA and conservation partners to ensure the comprehensive protection of the ecosystem in the East Nimba Nature Reserve through the utilization of the grant.
With the Nimba Endowment now fully operational, stakeholders are hopeful that this grant will stimulate renewed support for the East Nimba Nature Reserve and its surrounding communities.
About the East Nimba Nature Reserve
The East Nimba Nature Reserve is one of Liberia’s five National Protected Areas and is home to unique species, some of which are found nowhere else. This includes the Nimba Otter Shrew, the Nimba Toad, and endangered chimpanzees. The reserve also supports various bird species such as the Nimba Flycatcher and the Yellow-casqued Hornbill. Additionally, it serves as a habitat for the African Giant Swallowtail, the world’s largest butterfly.
The landscape is also home to the Congo Serpent-Eagle, White-breasted Guineafowl, Red-thighed Sparrowhawk, and African Elephants.
