The Liberian House of Representatives has requested the Committees on Tourism, Agriculture, and Forestry, and Internal Affairs to probe the proposed expansion of the Sapo National Parkโs buffer zone and report back to the plenary in due course.
The decision follows concerns raised by Sinoe County District #1 Representative, Thomas Romeo Quioh, during the Houseโs 13th Day Sitting of the 1st Quarter of the 2nd session held on Tuesday, 4 March 2025. In his comment, Representative Quioh highlighted the potential negative impact of the expansion of the park on local communities.
The Sinoe County District #1 Representative called for the appearance of the Minister of Justice, the Managing Director of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), and representatives from Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and Conservation International (CI) to explain the rationale behind the expansion.
Sapo National Park, established on May 3, 1983, is Liberiaโs first national park and the countryโs largest protected area, covering 1,804 square kilometers in Southeastern Sinoe County.
The Park is situated predominantly on ancestral lands belonging to the Sapo people and is a crucial part of the Upper Guinean Forest ecosystem, home to numerous endangered species.
Representative Quioh expressed concerns that, despite significant international funding for conservation efforts, local communities remain in abject poverty while international organizations benefit from the funds.
He questioned the governmentโs alleged call for locals to vacate their ancestral lands without ensuring they get their rightful benefits.
The House Committeesโ investigation aims to shed light on these issues and ensure that conservation efforts are balanced with the protection of the rights and livelihoods of the communities surrounding Sapo National Park.
