The Forestry Development Authority (FDA), alongside the European Union, the Irish Embassy, local authorities, and conservation partners, have launched a €3.3 million ($3.5 million) SUSTAIN Project at Sapo National Park.
Funded primarily by the EU (€2.9 million/$3.13 million), the project is implemented by the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation (WCF), in partnership with the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL) and the Universal Outreach Foundation (UOF) over three years.
The project focuses on strengthening protected area management in Sapo, Grebo-Krahn, and the proposed Kwa National Park, covering Sinoe, Rivercess, Grand Gedeh and River Gee counties. It also empowers local communities, particularly women, to engage in conservation while benefiting from sustainable livelihoods, green jobs and ecotourism initiatives.
Key project goals include improved governance and management of protected areas, enhanced monitoring and protection of forests and biodiversity, and improved living conditions for local communities, especially women and youth.
The launch event at Sapo National Park Headquarters featured EU Ambassador H.E. Nona Deprez, Irish Ambassador H.E. Gerard Considine, FDA Deputy Managing Director for Conservation, Community and Carbon, Nora Bowier, and FDA Deputy Managing Director for Administration and Finance, Victor Kpaiseh, and other high-level representatives.
“Conservation is like an investment you make for yourself and your children; sometimes you do not see the benefit immediately, but trust me they will come. Some are already here, like ecotourism, with the beautiful Sapo Ecolodge, which is co-managed by your community and WCF. Biodiversity and economic growth coexist–through eco-friendly livelihoods. We protect nature while improving living conditions,” Ambassador Deprez said.
“Liberia’s national parks are being established to conserve Liberia’s plant and animal species, some of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world. This is something we should be proud of. However, conserving the forest is not an easy job. Today, most of the park is under threat. So, we need the cooperation of everyone to remove the threats. Therefore, I want to thank the European Union for funding the SUSTAIN project, which supports addressing some of the issues in managing the 2 major parks,” Bowier disclosed.
She applauded EU for supporting FDA in preserving the protected forest across the country. According to her, FDA remains committed in working with EU and other partners in improving the country’s forest sector.
In support of these efforts, the FDA underscored the importance of sustainable practices and community involvement in safeguarding Liberia’s natural heritage.
Sapo National Park, Liberia’s oldest and most biodiverse national park, has been faced with serious threats from illegal mining, poaching, and cocoa farming. However, the Sapo Ecolodge drew international tourists and created 33 jobs for locals, aligning with the ARREST agenda.
Project partners hope that SUSTAIN, alongside other EU-funded initiatives, like NaturAfrica, will usher in a new era of community-driven conservation, ensuring Liberia’s forests and biodiversity thrive for future generations.