The European Union (EU), through its Communities For Conservation (C4C) Project implemented by the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL), has supported the successful election of a new leadership for the Tonglay Authorized Community Forest in Gbarpolu County. The exercise, conducted by the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) with financial support from SCNL under the EU-funded project, restores the community’s legal governance structure and reinforces democratic management of one of Liberia’s community forests.
The election followed the expiration of the five-year mandates of the Community Assembly (CA), Executive Committee (EC), and Community Forest Management Body (CFMB) in 2025. Without duly elected leadership, the community forest would have been unable to legally enter into agreements, conduct business, or make important decisions regarding the management and sustainable use of its forest resources.
By financing the election through the EU-funded C4C Project, SCNL ensured that the six member communities Camp Alpha, Daniel Town, Kortee Village, SLC, Kumgbor, and Tonglay regained a legitimate and representative governance structure. The election gives local people a stronger voice in decisions affecting their forests while creating opportunities for sustainable economic benefits from responsible forest management.
The exercise demonstrates the European Union’s continued commitment to strengthening community forestry, promoting good governance, and empowering rural communities to manage their natural resources sustainably. Through the C4C Project, the EU is helping communities build accountable institutions that are essential for conservation, livelihoods, and long-term development.
As a longstanding conservation partner in Gbarpolu County for more than a decade, SCNL has continued to work alongside the FDA and local communities to strengthen community forest governance, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable natural resource management. Supporting the election reflects SCNL’s commitment to ensuring that community forest institutions remain functional, transparent, and legally recognized.
The successful election marks an important milestone for the Tonglay Authorized Community Forest, laying the foundation for future conservation initiatives, sustainable livelihood programs, and responsible forest governance. With legally recognized leadership now in place, the community is better positioned to attract development opportunities, implement conservation projects, and negotiate partnerships that benefit local people while protecting the forest.
The newly elected officials are:
- Amos Z. Boima – Executive Officer (Kumgbor Town)
- Alfred Jabateh – Co-Chair (Camp Alpha)
- Nelson Z. Gbahn – Secretary (Kortee Village)
- Richard A. Thomas – Financial Officer (Kumgbor Town)
The election was witnessed by Hon. Lawrence Sherbo, Commissioner of Kongba District, along with local authorities, including the Town Chief and the Chairlady of Kumgbor Town, underscoring the transparency and credibility of the process.
During the induction ceremony, Commissioner Sherbo urged the newly elected officials to serve their communities with integrity, diligence, and accountability. He also expressed appreciation to SCNL for its unwavering support to the people of Tonglay and the wider Kongba District, acknowledging the organization’s enduring contribution to community development and forest conservation.
Through the European Union-funded Conservation for Communities (C4C) Project, SCNL continues to work with the FDA and local communities to strengthen community forest governance, protect Liberia’s forests, and ensure that conservation delivers lasting social and economic benefits for the people who depend on them.
Next is the Community Forest Management Body (CFMB) which is set for August 1, 2026. Stay Tuned!
