The European Union funded project “Leh Go Green” implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) launched the Community Conservation Agreement (CCA) initiative aimed at engaging local communities to manage their natural resources in exchange for their conservation efforts which include protecting forest areas from illegal logging. 

With this initiative, community members will gain access to livelihood support, including agricultural assistance and income-generating opportunities. The CCA is a key tool in aligning conservation with local development needs, ensuring the sustainable use of Liberia's forest resources.

Addressing community dwellers in Fonnor, Jebbeh Fonnor, Gbanjue, and Kawalahun in Grand Cape Mount County on September 28-29, 2024, the UNDP Programme Coordinator Abraham Tumbey said, “by involving the communities directly in forest management and providing them with tangible benefits, we aim to create long-term stewardship for Liberia’s forests”.

Tumbey also noted that the project's objective is not to restrict the community's access to their forest but to assist in its sustainable management. Traditional practices, such as fishing without chemicals, and fruit gathering will continue under proper management and benefit all community residents. 

The Leh Go Green Project aims to support sustainable forest management and provide economic opportunities for forest-dependent communities in the Gola and Grebo-Krahn landscapes.

The project’s implementation is being done in phases across various regions, with upcoming community engagement missions. These missions will take place in two of the project communities in Grand Cape Mount, and Gbarpolu counties, where CCA awareness campaigns and focus group discussions will be held. Local community dwellers will have the chance to express their needs and discuss how they can actively participate in resource conservation efforts.

With Liberia's forests facing significant threats from deforestation and unsustainable resource use, the Leh Go Green project targets both environmental conservation and socio-economic development. It specifically seeks to enhance forest governance and create a favorable business environment for forest-based activities, particularly benefiting youth, women, marginalized groups, and people with disabilities.

In addition to preserving vital ecosystems, the project emphasizes gender inclusivity, ensuring that women and marginalized groups play a key role in conservation efforts. 

According to UNDP’s Gender and Communication Advocacy Specialist, Chrystal-Angel Wardlow, it is crucial to integrate gender perspectives into the CCA because it will ensure that the voices and experiences of both men and women are represented.

“This will contribute to inclusive decision-making processes and the outcome will address the needs and concerns of the entire community rather than just a specific group” says Wardlow. 

She also mentioned that women’s involvement will foster a more balanced and fairer environment for everyone while enhancing community resilience, cohesion, promote understanding and collaboration among diverse groups.

“Ultimately, these efforts will strengthen the social fabric of the community particularly because women play unique roles in managing natural resources like water, food and the household,” Wardlow emphasized. 

She noted that empowering women to lead resource management initiatives ensures sustainable practices in agriculture, fishery, and forestry that align with conservation goals. 

“Women can also spreadhead sustainable livelihood, initiatives, such as eco-friendly crafts, organic, farming, or eco-tourism which will reduce pressure on the environment while providing income to the communities,” she continued.

Wardlow therefore encouraged women to play an active role in the success of the CCA process of managing natural resources, warning against their exclusion, regardless of their educational background. 

She also discussed the issues of rape, urging parents not to marry off underage girls, and domestic violence, advising both men and women to stop Gender Based Violence. 

The Leh Go Green project aligns with the European Union’s broader "Sustainable Forestry and Biodiversity Conservation in Liberia" programme and is expected to serve as a model for future forest conservation efforts across the country.