In Grand Kru County, CSOs And Other Join Forces to Tackle Climate Change

By: Emmanuel Koffa|Grand Kru County Correspondent 

Barclayville City, Grand Kru County-Wednesday, May 07, 2025 – The National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL), has successfully concluded a significant County Coordination Meeting aimed at addressing pressing issues of climate change in Liberia. Its primary objectives are to enhance collaboration among participating CSOs, monitor the implementation of project activities, and facilitate knowledge sharing to maximize the impact of environmental interventions.

The partnership is between the NCSCL and Conservation International. Conservation International, known for its global efforts to protect nature and biodiversity, served as a key partner in this initiative. The initiative aligns with Liberia’s broader environmental policies and goals, including commitments to sustainable development and climate resilience as outlined in the national strategies.

It highlights the growing commitment to empowering civil society organizations (CSOs) for enhanced environmental stewardship across the country.

Madam Songor-Johnson, former Liberian journalist with extensive experience in project implementation, emphasized the importance of collective action in tackling climate change, stating, “Climate change represents one of the most critical challenges of our time, and it is imperative that we mobilize civil society to take proactive steps in fostering environmental stewardship”.

According to madam Johnson, the project is entirely a -hundred-percent in-kind grant, (no financial transfers are involved), where all procurement processes are centrally managed by Conservation International’s procurement department, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency.

She believes that this strategic approach ensures comprehensive engagement and reinforces the collective commitment toward environmental sustainability which marks a strategic step towards creating a more sustainable future for Liberia.

The County Coordination Meeting brought together various CSOs, local leaders, the media and community stakeholders to discuss strategies and best practices for addressing climate change at the grassroots level.

Participants were engaged in dynamic discussions, sharing insights on local environmental challenges, resource management, and sustainable practices that can be adopted within their communities.

Veronica Johnson, the team lead described the engagement as a vital component of the Blue Ocean Project (BOP), a ground-breaking initiative dedicated to environmental protection, sustainable waste management, mangrove conservation and climate change awareness.

The team, led by Madam Veronica Songor-Johnson, former Liberian journalist and one of the project experts, the NCSCL team, along with council staff, said the meeting is also part of the National Civil Society organization county-wide tour to foster stronger coordination among civil society organizations (CSOs) actively involved in the Blue Ocean Project.

Highlights of the meeting included capacity building workshop, where participants learned about climate change adaptation techniques, community engagement methodologies, and the importance of biodiversity conservation. Special attention also was given to empowering women and youths, who play critical roles in environmental management and advocacy.

As Liberia continues to navigate its path towards recovery and growth, empowering civil society to take charge of environmental stewardship is crucial for the nation’s long-term sustainability and resilience against climate change.

Madam Songor-Johnson highlighted the need for sustained engagement: “This is just the beginning. We must remain dedicated to the cause and continue to foster collaboration for meaningful change.”

The recent Barclayville meeting represents a pivotal moment for civil society in Liberia as it rallies to confront climate change head-on, driven by a shared vision of a greener, more sustainable future.

The event provided a platform for collaboration, networking, and the exchange of ideas on effective interventions aimed at mitigating climate impacts.

Edited: Esau J. Farr| Sub-Editor