LIBERIA: Government, FDA, FAO hold End-of-Project Conference
By: Augustine N. Myers – A one day forest-sector conference to discuss experiences and achievements around the implementation of the Non-Legally Binding Instruments (NLBI) Project in Liberia, has taken place in Monrovia.
Beekeeping trainees install Keyan Topbar Beehive in Nimba County
Group photo at the start of the Conference in Monrovia
Bee suits and solar extractor presented to beekeeping Trainees in Tappita, Nimba County
The Government of Liberia (GoL) through the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized the end-of-project conference to engage forest based organizations, public and private sectors, local NGOs, civil society, academic and research organizations, and international partners in discussing the achievements of the NLBI Project in terms of moving towards Sustainable Forest Management (SFM).
In Nov. 2010, the FDA and FAO launched the Non-Legally Binding Instruments on All Types of Forests. The project aimed to strengthen political commitment and action at all levels, to enhance sustainable forest management (SFM), and to contribute towards the Government of Liberia’s poverty reduction strategies (PRS).
The project further contributed immensely to raising increased awareness of relevant government institutions and non-governmental stakeholders of the Forest Instrument, its purpose as well as the global objectives on forests and the national policies and measures to be undertaken by Member States.
During the conference, participants discussed the sustainability of the main project’s outcomes.
The project has developed four training manuals, implemented pilot initiatives and delivered Training of Trainers sessions. At community levels, the project enhanced capacities of several Liberian families in alternative agro-forestry activities (improved beekeeping and snail farming) in River Gee, Grand Gedeh, and Nimba Counties.
Additionally, 50 members of the County Forest Forums (CFF) and the Community Forestry Development Committee (CFDC) were trained and supported in River Gee and Margibi Counties in book keeping and financial management to upgrade their skills in handling funds they receive in the future.
Furthermore more than 60 Liberian stakeholders were trained in participatory forest inventory, timber scaling and grading.
