By Jenneh Kemokai
BO Waterside, Cape Mount County-On February 27, 2025, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and its partners launched the GOLA and Resilience, Empowerment Access, and Peacebuilding (REAP) project at Bo Waterside.
This significant initiative, funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, aims to bolster social cohesion and economic resilience among communities along the border of Liberia and Sierra Leone, while also addressing conflict risks in the region.
Michael E. Taire, Program Manager of the Society for the Conservation of Nature in Liberia (SCNL), provided an insightful background on the project.
He recounted that the roots of this collaboration date back to 2009, during an international conference in Sweden where former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Sierra Leone’s Earnest Bia Koroma made a historic commitment to jointly manage the Gola transboundary landscape.
This pledge emerged from a shared vision of peace, security, and sustainable development in a region that has faced significant challenges, particularly the aftermath of civil conflicts.
The Gola Forest, the largest remaining rainforest in the Upper Guinea region of West Africa, serves as a critical resource for both nations.
However, it faces numerous threats, including illegal logging, mining, and unsustainable agricultural practices that jeopardize the well-being of local communities dependent on its resources.
During the launch, Lawrence V. Sherbro, District Commissioner of Kongba District in Gbarpolu, emphasized the vital role of government in protecting the Gola National Park, which straddles both countries.
He urged both nations to recognize the indigenous people who inhabit the land and to promote greater awareness within their communities about the importance of protecting the Gola Forest.
Sherbro specifically called on the Sierra Leonean government to address cross-border activities that harm the park, such as illegal logging and mining, and to encourage citizens to respect the boundaries of the protected area.
Seraphine Wakan, the Regional Coordinator for the UN in Sierra Leone, expressed hope for ongoing collaboration between the two countries, highlighting the importance of maintaining peace in the region. She praised the involvement of various organizations, including IOM and WFP, in the implementation of the project under the leadership of line ministries from both nations.
Eddie Mulbah, representing the Liberia Internal Affairs Minister, described the project as a vital opportunity for both countries. He outlined the project’s objectives, which include strengthening social cohesion, improving border management, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and ultimately reducing conflict while building economic resilience. He noted that the Gola forest landscape is crucial for sustaining peace and security between the two Mano River countries.
Christine Umutoni, Regional Coordinator for the UN in Liberia, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Liberia and Sierra Leone are committed to using their resources for peace rather than war. She referenced the reaffirmation of commitment by both presidents during their meeting in Freetown in 2024, emphasizing regional stability, economic integration, and environmental conservation.
The launch event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including government representatives and community members, with the objective of fostering dialogue among border officials, park rangers, and local communities to enhance trust and cooperation in resource management and conflict resolution.
As the GOLA and REAP project embarks on its mission, it holds the promise of not only promoting peace and stability in the region but also ensuring that the invaluable Gola Forest continues to thrive for generations to come.
