The Forestry Development Authority (FDA) delegation at the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP-29), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, has pushed Liberia’s agenda high at the global biggest gathering. This critical global gathering has provided an invaluable platform for engaging stakeholders, advancing key negotiations, and strengthening Liberia’s position on climate change and sustainable forest management.
The FDA delegation members included Philip C. Parker IV, Chairman of the Board of Directors; Nora G. Bowier, Deputy Managing Director for Conservation, Community and Carbon; E. Ekema A. Witherspoon, Consultant on Governance; and Augustine B.M. Johnson, Sr., Forestry Technical Advisor.
At the gathering, the delegation engaged with international stakeholders to foster cooperation on sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. The delegation also advocated for Liberia’s priorities in reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+), while securing support for conservation and sustainable development initiatives. The team further highlighted Liberia’s contributions to global carbon sequestration and advocate for equitable access to climate finance and technological resources.
While at the conference, the FDA delegation was actively involved in a range of activities to maximize Liberia’s impact and visibility during COP-29. Some of the engagements by FDA was the hosting of bilateral discussions with key international partners, including representatives from the United Nations Development Program, Terra Global Capital, International Eco-energy Academy, Solar Cookers International, Fauna & Flora and various donor agencies. The team also advocated for increased of financial commitments to sustainable forest programs and mechanisms that ensure fair compensation for Liberia’s environmental contributions.
Liberia has consistently upheld its commitment to sustainable forest management as a means of combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and supporting local livelihood, at COP-29 the FDA delegation emphasized. The team called for the need for international recognition of Liberia’s forests as a global asset and a critical carbon sink and request for transparency and equity in the allocation of climate finance to support developing nations.