By Emmanuel Koffa
Grand Kru County, Liberia-A daylong meeting in Transformative Pilot Project on Forest and Mangrove Monitoring has successfully been held in Grand Kru County. The meeting focused on strategies for enhancing forest and mangrove monitoring in the region.
The meeting, which was held at the Grand Kru County’s Administrative Building brought together members of the Community of Practice (COP), including representatives from the government, local communities, Civil Society representatives and environmental advocates. J. Negatus Wright, Coordinator of the Transformative Pilot Project led the meeting which was held on January 7, 2025.
The initiative, J. Negatus Wright said, is sponsored by the people of Canada through Novasphere Canada, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Forestry Development Authority through capacity building using spatial technology to monitor the forest and the environment.
Mr. Wright disclosed that the pilot project aims to bolster the national government’s agenda for sustainable environmental management and conservation, particularly in response to the pressing threats of deforestation and climate change.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the project. “We are here today to forge partnerships that will lead to sustainable solutions for our forests and mangroves,” he stated, adding, “These ecosystems are vital not only for biodiversity but also for the livelihoods of many communities in Liberia. We must work together to protect them.”
The discussion highlighted several key areas, including the need for community engagement, capacity building, and the integration of modern technology in monitoring efforts.
One of the pivotal points raised during the meeting was the role of traditional knowledge in forest management, where Community leaders stressed that indigenous practices and insights must be recognized and incorporated into modern conservation strategies. “Our ancestors have managed these lands for generations,” noted a local elder. “We have valuable knowledge that can complement scientific approaches.”
As a direct outcome of the meeting, stakeholders agreed to form a collaborative task force that will oversee the implementation of the project, ensuring that it aligns with both local needs and national conservation objectives responsible for conducting assessments, gathering data, and reporting on the progress of forest and mangrove health in the county.
J. Negatus Wright described the collaboration between Novasphere Canada and Transformative Pilot Project on Forest and Mangrove Monitoring to train EPA and FDA staffs Liberia as a significant step towards empowering local communities and strengthening the country’s capacity for environmental governance. “The support from Canada and the commitment of local stakeholders signal a strong collective effort to address environmental issues in Liberia, he started.
Participants expressed optimism about the potential impacts of the project, with many voicing their commitment to actively participate in monitoring activities and conservation initiatives.
As the meeting drew to a close, Wright extended his gratitude to all attendees for their engagement and contributions. “Together, we can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future for Grand Kru County and beyond,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Transformative Pilot Project on Forest and Mangrove Monitoring is poised to make significant strides in preserving Liberia’s valuable ecosystems, ultimately contributing to the well-being of its people and the sustainability of its natural heritage.
