LIBERIA CONSERVATION WORKS
Promoting biodiversity conservation and enhancing economic prosperity
in Liberia through a One Health approach
in Liberia through a One Health approach
Conservation Works is a five year program funded by the United States Agency for International Development designed to protect threatened and endangered species by strengthening Protected and Conserved Areas. Conservation Works supports communities in becoming less reliant on forest resources by providing livelihood alternatives, including sustainable agriculture and ecotourism, and promotes strong partnerships with the government of Liberia, private sector, and local conservation stakeholders and communities.
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Liberia is home to nearly half of the remaining Upper Guinean Rainforest, a key biodiversity hotspot housing myriad endangered species. Additionally, thousands of Liberians rely on these 6.6 million hectares of forest for their livelihood. Although Liberia’s forests are invaluable, they have not been sustainably managed, and continue to face mounting pressures including slash-and-burn agriculture, logging, mining, and illegal hunting.
Protected and Conserved Areas provide critical habitat for wildlife and have great potential for ecotourism, a proven source of sustainable income for communities. Despite significant international donor support for forest conservation in Liberia, only five protected areas currently exist. The establishment and effective management of PCAs simultaneously allows for biodiversity preservation, sustainable livelihoods and conservation-compatible economic growth.
CONSERVATION WORKS PARTNERS WORK SIDE BY SIDE TO...
HARMONIZE ESTABLISHMENT PROCESS OF PCAS
Define and implement an accessible, transparent process to designate new conservation areas in Liberia that harmonize government mandates and laws and considers community rights and voices.
STRENGTHEN MANAGEMENT OF PROTECTED AND CONSERVED AREAS
Build government and community capacity to protect and manage key biodiversity areas.
DEVELOP, ESTABLISH AND FACILITATE SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS
Introduce inclusive, sustainable livelihoods and long term income generating activities to improve the economic well being of communities in and around protected and conserved areas.
DEVELOP SUSTAINABLE TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE AND CAPACITY
Support the creation of an enabling environment for sustainable tourism development and investment, and build capacity of local communities to participate in this market.
INTEGRATION OF THE ONE HEALTH PRINCIPLE
Broaden recognition of the value of protected and conserved areas through facilitation of multi sectoral coordination and information sharing.
