The Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL) has strongly condemned what it describes as an “unjust portrayal” by the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), following the release of an assessment report that claimed SCNL has produced “no visible development benefits” in the Gola-Foya forest landscape despite years of conservation work.
SCNL, which has operated in Gola for more than 16 years, rejected the FDA’s assertions as inaccurate and misleading, stressing that the organization has consistently invested in both forest protection and community development across Gbarpolu and Grand Cape Mount Counties.
Gola-Foya: Biodiversity and Development Challenges
The Gola-Foya forest landscape, part of the Upper Guinea Forest, is recognized globally for its rich biodiversity and its role in climate mitigation. Yet, communities living in and around the forest continue to grapple with long-standing development challenges, particularly poor road networks that limit access to healthcare, education, and markets.
SCNL acknowledged these pressing issues and emphasized that addressing them requires collaborative efforts led by the Government of Liberia. The organization noted that strategic planning, resource mobilization, and partnerships are essential to balance conservation with community development, while underscoring that no single institution can tackle these challenges alone.
SCNL’s Track Record of Impact
Contrary to the FDA’s claims, SCNL highlighted its extensive contributions to conservation and local welfare. The organization has supported the Government of Liberia in bringing more than 230,000 hectares of forest under conservation, while employing nearly 400 young Liberians in income-generating roles such as ecoguards, ecobrigades, mobilization officers, research assistants, and community liaisons.
Beyond conservation, SCNL has invested in infrastructure and community services. It has supplied 60 motorcycles to improve local transportation, renovated and electrified six schools and clinics with solar energy, erected 19 hand pumps to provide clean water, and constructed a standard concrete bridge between SLC and Kongbor. In addition, SCNL established a revolving fund of over 15 million Liberian dollars, giving local women access to loans and financial empowerment.
Call for Respectful Collaboration
SCNL urged the FDA to refrain from unfairly targeting conservation partners, warning that such actions undermine progress and community trust. The organization contrasted its efforts with the legacy of logging and mining companies, which it said left behind “open mines, degraded lands, and benefits for few” rather than sustainable gains for forest communities.
The group called for collaboration rooted in respect, transparency, and shared responsibility, reminding the Government of Liberia of its obligations under international environmental agreements. SCNL expressed concern that no new protected areas have been established in the past eight years, cautioning that this trend threatens Liberia’s ability to meet its 30×30 conservation targets.
Commitment to Dialogue and Action
Despite its frustration with the FDA’s report, SCNL reaffirmed its commitment to conservation and community empowerment. The organization pledged to continue leveraging resources to defend Liberia’s forests while remaining open to constructive dialogue that addresses the challenges facing the Gola-Foya landscape.
“We remain passionate and fully committed to conservation in Liberia,” the statement read. “The Government must uphold its commitments and sustain the gains made by funding partners such as the EU, UN, USA, UK, Sweden, GEF, Norway, and Rainforest Trust.”
SCNL concluded by urging management agencies like the FDA to ensure that the Government of Liberia meets its international conservation obligations and does not hinder progress.
