Community Consultations For Proposed Protected Area in Liberia Finalized
Conservation International (CI)-Liberia and the Government of Liberia have concluded key consultations with 78 communities living in and around Marshall Wetlands as part of activities leading up to the designation of the 12,168-hectare area as a protected area. The wetlands are strongholds of important mangrove forests that shelter rich biodiversity and support livelihoods of local communities.
In May, a technical team from CI Liberia, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Forestry Development Authority, Environmental Protection Agency and the Liberia Land Authority finalized meetings with Town Chiefs, women and youth leaders from 46 communities in Margibi and Grand Bassa Counties. The other 32 communities had been consulted previously. Key county, district, township and clan leaders throughout the Marshall landscape have also been engaged.
CI Liberia seeks to ensure that the protected area is created using best practices, including full participation and approval of local communities. Its management framework will also enshrine a central role for communities in protected area management and sustainable access to natural resources.
