Monrovia, Liberia – Stakeholders from Liberia and Sierra Leone recently  convened in Monrovia for the Gola Transboundary Coordination Meeting, centered on the theme “Sustaining Peace and Protecting Biodiversity.” This event brought together government officials, conservation experts, traditional leaders, and international partners from both countries to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at safeguarding the Greater Gola Forest landscape and promoting sustainable development in the West African sub-region.

The Gola Forest, which is a shared natural resource between Liberia and Sierra Leone, is one of the most critical biodiversity hotspots in West Africa. Its transboundary management has become a symbol of unity between the two countries, having been established as a peace park in 2009 when then-presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone officially inaugurated the area.

FDA Liberia

During the event, Nora Bowier, the Deputy Managing Director for Carbon Conservation at Liberia’s Forestry Development Authority (FDA), highlighted the necessity of collective action to achieve both environmental and social objectives.

 “I am particularly excited about the Gola initiative and its role in promoting this transboundary collaboration for the protection of the Gola landscape. We thank our partners Wabiled and our counterpart from the Sierra Leonean side for their commitment and efforts in this endeavor. We also thank local partner including SCNL for their support in the process Bowier stated ”, madam.

She explained that the initiative aims to ensure effective forest management by developing a land use plan, strengthening community forest governance, enhancing law enforcement, and raising conservation awareness, among other objectives.

_{FDA Deputy Manager Nora Brower appreciating the role of ecoguards in the Liberia conservation efforts and requesting a dialogue with partners to sustain their contribution}

According to Madam Bowier, the current FDA management prioritizes the effective management of all national parks and reserves, and they are hopeful to secure annual support for this purpose. Key to the FDA’s vision is a people-centered approach, where communities can collaborate with the government and partners, and where their rights are recognized as we strive to protect the environment, including implementing measures to mitigate the effects of climate change.

 Thomas Fayia Kamara, Executive Director of  National Protected Area Management Authority (NPAA)  highlighted their shared responsibility in preserving the forest, remarking, The Gola landscape is a treasure for both nations. He said through collaboration and community engagement, we can protect this vital ecosystem for future generations.”

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Liberia reaffirmed the government’s dedication to fostering peace among border communities while prioritizing sustainable resource management. “We understand that the strength of transboundary cooperation lies in the unity of our people. This is why initiatives like this are pivotal in ensuring peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity,” a ministry spokesperson said.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, through its representative, called for stronger climate action as a core component of biodiversity conservation. “The challenges we face in preserving the Gola Forest are also opportunities to act on climate resilience. Protecting this landscape helps us mitigate the effects of climate change,” the EPA official noted.

Dr. Nouhou Ndam, Landscape Specialist for the West Africa Biodiversity and Low Emissions Development (WABiLED) Program, reaffirmed the program’s unwavering commitment to transboundary initiatives. He stated that the Gola landscape is a global biodiversity hotspot and serves as a model for peacebuilding through conservation. Dr. Ndam added that WABiLED will continue to provide technical and financial support to ensure the success of these initiatives.

Representing the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Liberia, the Resident Representative emphasized the program’s ongoing support for biodiversity protection and peacebuilding in the region. “UNDP remains committed to partnering with Liberia and Sierra Leone to ensure that the Gola Forest serves as a model for transboundary cooperation, linking peace, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development,” the representative stated.

The Secretary-General of the Mano River Union (MRU) has pledged the MRU Secretariat’s support for the protection of the Gola Forest National Parks in Liberia and Sierra Leone. The Gola Forest is a transboundary national park that spans both countries.

During a closing session of a two-day Gola Transboundary Coordination Meeting held in Monrovia, MRU Secretary-General Simeon Moribah stated that the MRU Secretariat will support all efforts to conserve the Gola Forest Transboundary National Park. He emphasized that the MRU is open to addressing any challenges that fall within its mandate.

More Commitments

The paramount chiefs of the Nomo chiefdom in Sierra Leone (PC Joseph) and the chiefdom of Sokpo in Liberia (PC Jamiatu) have made a joint commitment to support the conservation of the Gola Peace Parks.

The voices of the people were represented by these two paramount chiefs from Liberia and Sierra Leone, who called for greater inclusion of local communities in decision-making. “Our communities are the guardians of this forest. We need more resources and recognition for our role in protecting Gola,” one chief stated. The other added, “The forest is our heritage and livelihood. Let us continue working together to protect it.”

^{The paramount chiefs of Nomo chiefom, Sierra Leone (PC Joseph) and PC Of sokpo, Liberia (jamiatu ), making joint commitment to support the conservation of Gola peace parks}

The Secretary General of the Mano River Union (MRU) commended the collaborative efforts and urged stakeholders to build on the momentum. “The Gola Forest is not just a local treasure; it is a global one. Our commitment to peace and biodiversity conservation sends a message of hope to the world,” the Secretary General said.

‘Unending love for Gola forest’

Dr. Anika Hillers, Country Director of the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation (WCF), shared her personal commitment and love  to the Gola transboundary park, where she has been involved in activities since 2005. “The Gola Forest is my passion and my love for the Gola will be forever. Over nearly two decades, I have witnessed its challenges and triumphs. My dedication to this landscape grows stronger every day, as I see the incredible biodiversity it supports and the lives it touches,” she remarked.

The Gola Transboundary Coordination Meeting highlighted the intricate link between peace and environmental sustainability, reaffirming the shared vision of Liberia and Sierra Leone to protect their natural heritage for generations to come.

By Mark Dahn