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Monrovia, October 6, 2025 — Coastal communities in Maryland, Sinoe, Grand Kru, and Rivercess Counties are stepping up as frontline defenders of Liberia’s mangrove ecosystems, thanks to a series of community leadership and conservation trainings recently concluded by Conservation International (CI).
The initiative, implemented under the Blue Oceans Programme and financed by Sida – the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency through the Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia, aims to strengthen local participation in protecting Liberia’s fragile coastal and marine environments.
Over the past weeks, members of Mangrove Management Committees (MMCs) from the four counties received training on sustainable mangrove management, the ecological and economic importance of mangroves, and practical conservation tools. Participants learned how healthy mangrove forests help protect fisheries, stabilize coastlines from erosion, preserve biodiversity, and capture carbon — a critical function in combating climate change.
Beyond theory, the sessions provided hands-on instruction in using mobile tablets to collect data on mangrove coverage, forest health, and wildlife presence. The use of digital tools is expected to enhance local monitoring, enabling communities to make informed decisions and share accurate field data with national and international conservation partners.
To strengthen their capacity in the field, Conservation International also equipped MMC members with rain gear, backpacks, tablets, T-shirts, and monthly stipends, ensuring they can effectively patrol and protect their surrounding forests and mangrove ecosystems.
Community leaders expressed gratitude for the training, noting that the knowledge and support received have deepened their understanding of the vital role mangroves play in local food security and ecosystem balance.
One MMC member from Grand Kru County shared, “Before this training, many of us saw mangroves as ordinary trees. Now we understand their importance in protecting our fisheries, coastlines, and even the air we breathe. We feel proud to be part of this work.”
The Blue Oceans Programme continues to promote community-led conservation as a cornerstone of Liberia’s coastal management strategy. By integrating science, technology, and local knowledge, the initiative demonstrates how empowering people at the grassroots level can yield lasting environmental and social impact.
