By Laurina B Lormia (Cub-Reporter)
The Federation of Liberia Youth (FLY) has embarked on a one-day national youth conference focused on conservation and sustainability, under the theme; ‘Empowering Youth to Protect Liberia’s Natural Heritage.’
The day-long program which was held on Thursday, May 30, 2024, in Sinkor, brought together young leaders from across the country to discuss and strategize on protecting Liberia’s rich natural resources.
The president of FLY, Banica Stephanie Elliott, underscored the vital role that young people play in safeguarding Liberia’s natural heritage.
According to her, these priceless assets are not solely crucial for maintaining ecological equilibrium but also for safeguarding cultural heritage and fostering economic growth.
It is critical to provide youth with the necessary information, abilities, and drive to protect these priceless resources for future generations.
“Education serves as the fundamental basis for empowerment. Robust education in environmental studies has the potential to cultivate in youth a profound sense of accountability and guardianship. Hands-on, practical experiences like field trips to national parks and participation in community conservation initiatives can bring these lessons to life,” she said.
“These initiatives will not solely impart knowledge but also motivate our youth to develop into fervent environmental advocates. Secondly, it is vital to facilitate youth involvement in conservation initiatives,” she added.
“The formation of youth-led organizations and environmental societies can provide avenues for young individuals to actively engage in the conservation of our natural heritage. These organizations may participate in tree planting, wildlife monitoring, and public awareness campaigns, among other activities,” she asserted.
She concluded, we must preserve our natural heritage as a legacy; the youth are the torchbearers for this endeavor. Everyone should wholeheartedly pledge their support for us in all endeavors, guaranteeing that the natural splendor of Liberia continues to inspire pride and prosperity for future generations stressing, “We are grateful for the support from USAID through Conversation Works in partnering with the Federation of Liberian Youth.”
The Executive Director of the Youth for Climate Action, Ezekiel Nyanfor, highlighted the urgent need for sustainable development practices to combat the threats posed by deforestation, mining, and climate change.
“Our lush forests, vibrant wetlands, and diverse ecosystems are not just resources; they are the very essence of Liberia’s identity and are among the most biodiverse in the world, we must act now to ensure their survival,” the keynote speaker said.
According to him, more than half of the country’s population, the perspectives of future leaders are invaluable in the discussions surrounding the most defining challenge of the 21st century; the triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, pollution, and global warming.
“Over the years, as the threat of climate change has been made clear to the world, we have seen the central role of young people in spearheading this message; demanding action, inspiring solidarity, and making clear their vision of a sustainable, intergenerational-just planet,” he narrated.
Over the past three decades, Liberia has witnessed an alarming decline in its biodiversity. Poorly regulated human activities have significantly degraded our ecosystems, leading to unprecedented losses, according to several reports (USAID Biodiversity Sector Assessment 2020, Liberia Tropical Forest & Biodiversity Analysis by USAID 2018, and EPA Six National Report of Liberia to the Convention on Biological Diversity).
He explained, “Our natural heritage is more than a collection of plants, animals, and landscapes. It is the foundation of our culture, livelihoods, and future. Our forests provide clean air, freshwater, and essential ecosystem services for its citizens. They sustain our communities, support agriculture, and harbor unique species found nowhere else on Earth.”
However, “we must ensure that these policies fully protect young women, who face unequal access to land due to traditional norms and discriminatory practices. Let us bridge this gap and empower our youth, especially young women, to become stewards of our land,” he mentioned.
He concluded, “The Role of Young People in Conservation most importantly, our generation holds the key to Liberia’s ecological future. We are not just beneficiaries; we are active participants. As young people, we can engage in Hands-On Conservation Like planting trees, monitoring wildlife, and practicing sustainable agriculture. Let us restore what has been lost and protect what remains.”
