Participants appreciate SCNL and Partners for the training
The Liberia Forest Sector Project, (LFSP), funded by the Government of Norway, through the World Bank, implemented by the Forestry Development Authority, (FDA), through the Joint Venture (JV) of the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia ((SCNL), and IDH-the Sustainable Trade Initiative, under the consultancy titled, “Intensification and Acceleration of Impacts on Livelihood Development and Land Use Support to Cluster Communities in North West Landscape”, has ended a three-day training for beneficiaries of motorbikes. Nick Benitos Goll, Environmental Safeguard Coordinator, REDD+ Implementation Unit (RIU)-EPA presented on health and safety, motorbike management, and maintenance., Hawa Biddle- Dugbeh, SCNL Gender, and Safeguard Officer presented on sexual exploitation and abuse while Richard Hoff, II, LFSP Project Coordinator presented on cooperative management and the business aspect of the motorbikes.
Mr. Hoff, making remarks said SCNL and partners provided the training for motorbikes recipients to train them on relevant information they need when riding the motorbikes. “Today, we are here to demonstrate that commitment to you, by [training and providing] all the necessary information you need. You are already perfect riders, but we are training you so you can understand the safety concerns of the donors because it is essential to get additional knowledge for the benefit of everyone”.
The project coordinator reminded the motorcyclists that the project is funded by the Government of Norway to the people of Liberia, through the World Bank, and through the implementations of the Forestry Development Authority, (FDA), and Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA). “This entire project is called the Liberia Forest Sector Project. SCNL and IDH’s components are known as the North West Cluster. On behalf of the Executive Director of SCNL, Mr. Michael F. Garbo, I say welcome and thank you”.
Mr. Elijah Whapoe, Focal Point, LFSP, and REDD+ at EPA, also making remarks informed the participants that the work of the LFSP isn’t only to protect the forest but to ensure those who received the motorbikes are safe. “Your well-being matters… This is why the training has been organized to expand on what you already know in terms of safety. This safety training is to help protect you while you work safely”.
Mr. Whapoe, on behalf of the FDA, and EPA, expressed gratitude to the motorcyclists for their participation and urged them to put what they have learned into practice. “Let’s work safely so that when the next generation comes, they will have a forest,” he concluded.
At the end of the training, several participants appreciated SCNL and its partners for the training. Their leaders extended appreciation to the hard-working staff of SCNL, and on behalf of the motorbike riders. “We appreciate the Government of Norway, the World Bank, FDA, and EPA for safety training. what we have learned, we will put into practice, and will also share the knowledge with those in the communities so each of us can keep safe when riding the motorbikes to keep us safe”.
Distribution of motorbikes continues in Western Liberia
Community empowerment, protecting the forest
The Liberia Forest Sector Project, (LFSP), funded by the Government of Norway, through the World Bank, implemented by the Forestry Development Authority, (FDA), through the Joint Venture (JV) of the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia ((SCNL), and IDH-the Sustainable Trade Initiative, under the consultancy titled, “Intensification and Acceleration of Impacts on Livelihood Development and Land Use Support to Cluster Communities in North West Landscape” has completed the donation of motorbikes to forest edge communities in the project areas. Richard Hoff, II, LFSP Project Coordinator, said the 26 motorbikes were the second batch of donations to the communities bringing the total donation to 52 motorbikes. The motorbikes donation was meant to help each of the cooperatives to generate funds through commercial transportation, for forest edge communities while at the same time working towards reducing deforestation.
Mr. Elijah Nyumkor, Tonglay Clan Chief, Steven Kanneh, Town Chief of Normon Town, and Washington McGill, Officer-in-charge of the District Commissioner office were amongst those who received the motorbikes on behalf of their respective communities, expressed thanks and appreciation to SCNL and partners for the donation.
Mr. McGill said, “On behalf of the office of the District Commissioner, “I tell donors, partners, and SCNL thank you very much for the hard work and the donation of the motorbikes. We didn’t know the importance of the forest, but through the work of SCNL, and the support from partners, we now know the importance of protecting the forest. The motorbikes received will be used for the benefit of the community”.
