The Wakorlor Jungle Ecolodge, which is strategically situated in the heart of the Wakorlor forest near Robersport, Grand Cape Mount County, has been officially launched on May 10, 2024, thereby making it accessible to tourists from far and near.
The launching ceremony, which coincided with this year’s 14th anniversary celebration of National Tree Planting Day, was graced by high profile personalities from the governmental circle, including the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), and the County Administration represented by Superintendent Foley Kiatamba, who earlier warmly welcomed the distinguished guests.
Others in attendance to witness this historic occasion included representatives from national and international partners working in the forest sector, the Charge d’affaires of the US Embassy, Catherine Rodriguez, as well as chiefs and elders from town and villages around the fringes of the forest.
Giving an overview of the occasion, Rudolph and Lisa Antoune, co-founders of Libassa Ecolodge and Wakorlor Jungle Ecolodge, noted that this lodge represents the primary phase of investments to be carried out in the Wakorlor forest within the limit their vision and mission, as far as tourism is concerned.
They expressed their willingness to partner with interested donors and NGOs who want to support ecotourism as a sustainable alternative to conserve biodiversity in Liberia.
They lauded the people of Cape Mount County, especially communities around the fringes of the forest, for their support and cooperation, which has given birth the project.
Presently, at least 20 staff members are employed for the hotel management, while 24 staff members are responsible to police the forest as forest guides and Eco guards.
The acting Minister of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Johnny Takpah; the Charge d’affaires at the US embassy, Catherine Rodriguez; the Executive Director of the EPA, Emmanuel Yarpkawolo, and FDA Managing Director, Rudolph Merab, thanked Rudolph and Lisa Antoune for this milestone achievement, which, they said, requires all necessary supports in the wake of government’s ARREST program.
The Charge d’affaires, for her part, expressed the US Government’s willingness to support tourism in the country, while the acting Information Minister conveyed President Boakai’s appreciation to the owner of the Ecolodge and wished them well in this milestone journey.
FDA Managing Director, Rudolph Merab, used the occasion to encourage all collaborating partners to be practical in terms of doing something to benefit the locals, and not just saying what they will do, but what they’re doing to provide livelihood alternatives for the people.
Meanwhile, the FDA and its collaborating partners have observed in grand style, the occasion marking the 14th anniversary of the National Tree Planting Day in Robertsport City, Grand Cape Mount County.
It’s reported that at least 6,000 seedlings are being planted in strategic positions across the county by the Conservation of Nature in Liberia (SCNL), in conjunction with the FDA reforestation department.
The occasion, which preceded the launch of the Wakorlor Jungle Ecolodge, took place at the Robertsport City Hall in the presence of key conservation partners (The European Union, US Forest Service, FFI, Franlinia, WCF, SCNL, USAID, EPA,) and a host of government officials.
In her keynote address under the theme: “OUR TREE, OUR FUTURE”, Mary Molokwu-Odozi, Country Manager of the Fuana and Flora Liberia, outlined several key factors that underscore the usefulness of trees as it relates to making the environment safer and comfortable.
She stressed the need to habitually preserve and conserve the trees customarily, and called all Liberians to adopt the culture of planting trees, especially in the wake of climate change.
She thanked the management of the FDA and all collaborating partners for the success of the program, and hoped they will continue to plant more and more trees.
The FDA Managing Director, Rudolph Merab, and his key administrative staffs, led the parade along the principal streets of Robertsport, followed by the indoor segment of the occasion.
More importantly, the day coincided with the official launch of the Wakorlor Ecolodge, an exciting touristic center which has added a touristic beauty to the Wakorlor forest, which happens to be one of Liberia’s protected areas.
National Tree Planting Day is a significant event that encourages Liberians to plant trees to contribute to the national goal of increasing forest cover.
The day is not only about planting trees, but also to create awareness on the importance of conservation and the role played by forests in sustaining the environment.
