By Linus Flomo
The Liberia Rural Women Organization for Climate Action (LiRWOCA) has officially launched its ‘Promoting Mangrove Restoration in Degraded Sites along the Mesurado Wetland’ project.
This new initiative seeks to restore critical mangrove ecosystems, promote environmental sustainability, and bolster community resilience in Liberia.
During the launch event, the Acting Executive Director of LiRWOCA, Yunded A. Butler, emphasized the vital role mangroves play in coastal ecosystems, referring to them as the “rainforests of the coast.” Mangroves, known for their ability to protect shorelines from erosion, provide essential wildlife habitats, and sequester carbon to mitigate climate change, are increasingly threatened by human activities and environmental degradation.
“This project is not only about restoring our coastlines but also about ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come,” Butler said; “Protecting our environment and empowering communities are the core goals of this initiative.”
The project, which is backed by the Swedish Embassy, will focus on rehabilitating mangrove areas within the Mesurado Wetlands, a region heavily impacted by human activity.
The goal is to regenerate these vital ecosystems, which are crucial for both ecological and economic stability.
A representative from Conservation International (CI), Joseph Moinsema, also underscored the urgency of tackling climate change and ecosystem degradation.
“This is a wake-up call,” Moinsema said, urging local communities to come together to protect their natural resources.
He also highlighted CI’s commitment to supporting local conservation efforts, including the ‘Blue Ocean Program,’ which aligns with the mangrove restoration project.
“Mangroves offer invaluable ecological services, such as carbon sequestration and biodiversity preservation,” Moinsema continued; “By protecting these areas, we ensure long-term benefits for both the environment and the economy.”
In collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), UNDP, and ActionAid Liberia, Conservation International is working to empower local communities and organizations to take the lead in conservation efforts.
“Together, we can restore mangroves and safeguard our environment for future generations,” Moinsema concluded.
The Program Officer for the Small Grant Program (SGP) at UNDP Liberia, Gboryonon Williams, also spoke at the event, praising LiRWOCA for its ongoing commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement.
Williams highlighted the success of the 2023 mangrove conservation project funded by the UNDP’s Small Grant Program, which saw significant improvements in mangrove restoration in communities like Swagamo, Chicken Farm, Amagachie, and Tyler Island.
The project not only helped restore mangrove ecosystems but also provided new economic opportunities for local women through conservation activities.
“The UNDP is proud to support these efforts, and we remain committed to working with our partners to ensure Liberia’s environmental sustainability,” Williams said.
The launch event highlighted the importance of involving women in environmental conservation and underscored the need to protect Liberia’s natural resources.
The ‘Promoting Mangrove Restoration’ project is seen as a significant step in safeguarding Liberia’s coastal ecosystems and fostering a more sustainable future for its communities.
