The Gola Landscape in Liberia is the largest remaining area of tropical forest with high conservation value in West Africa. It is home to many important wildlife species, including some that are endangered. To protect these forests and connect them to protected areas, we must focus on managing Community Forests sustainably and improving the livelihoods of local communities through programs that promote long-term sustainability. Under the “Communities for Conservation (C4C)” project, funded by the European Union (EU), SCNL will work with local clans to create agreements that encourage forest conservation through community cooperation. This will include signing sub-agreements, such as community conservation agreements, to support sustainable development in exchange for the community’s efforts in protecting areas like Community Conservation Zones.
Long-Term Impact:
Forest dependent communities in the Gola Landscape will sustainably manage their land and forests, securing livelihoods and preserving biodiversity. It will also strengthen governance and build their capacity to enable them to implement nature-based solutions, ensuring food security and long-term conservation.
Output 1:
A Community Conservation Agreement (CCA) established with the Normon Clan to support sustainable livelihoods and climate-resilient, forest-based solutions for biodiversity conservation.
Output 2:
A Sustainable Forest Management Plan for Tonglay Community Forest, including a commercial zone, developed through a cost-benefit analysis of logging and conservation scenarios.
Output 3:
Promote sustainable agriculture and forest-based livelihoods in Kongba, Porkpa, and Lukasu districts
Output 4:
Increased community capacity and awareness in Kongba on forest conservation and benefits from ecosystem services like REDD+/carbon.