Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
By LAEJN Editorial Team
Nyangba, Grand Bassa County — For years, the mangrove forests of Nyangba were under siege. Trees were cut relentlessly for firewood and fish drying, leaving the coastline bare and local fish stocks dwindling. Families who depended on fishing for their livelihoods were facing the consequences, and the fragile coastal ecosystem was showing signs of severe stress.
Today, that story is changing, thanks to a community-led conservation initiative supported by Conservation International. What was once widespread mangrove destruction for firewood and fish drying has transformed into a coordinated effort to protect and restore the forests. Through training sessions, awareness campaigns, and hands-on conservation activities, residents have become the stewards of their own environment.
They now understand that mangroves are not just trees but vital habitats that support fish breeding, buffer against coastal erosion, and sustain the overall health of their coastline. With this knowledge, the community has taken ownership of conservation efforts, patrolling the mangrove areas, preventing illegal cutting, and actively participating in restoring degraded sections. The initiative is proving that when communities are empowered and informed, they can turn environmental challenges into opportunities for both ecological recovery and sustainable livelihoods.
“Before, people cut mangroves without realizing the damage they were causing,” said Weah Blamo, a community frontline conservationist trained by Conservation International. “Now, thanks to training and awareness campaigns, the community understands that mangroves are not just trees , they are the lifeblood of our fisheries and coastal environment.”
Through targeted education programs, residents of Nyangba came to understand the vital role mangroves play in their environment. They learned that these mangroves are not just clusters of trees, but critical breeding grounds for fish, natural buffers that protect the coastline from erosion, and essential habitats that sustain a wide variety of wildlife. To translate this knowledge into action, the initiative trained 15 local conservationists, equipping them with the skills and tools needed to safeguard the mangroves.
These trained guardians now patrol in rotating shifts, actively preventing illegal cutting, documenting changes in the ecosystem, and reporting threats. Their work ensures that the mangroves are not only protected but monitored for long-term health, turning community awareness into tangible conservation outcomes.
The impact of the initiative has been both visible and immediate. Illegal cutting of mangroves , once rampant, has declined sharply as community members take an active role in protecting the mangroves. This reduction in tree cutting has allowed the forests to regenerate, creating a healthier environment for marine life.
“When mangroves are protected, fish can reproduce,” Blamo explained. “Now, fishermen are seeing more fish in the water, and the environment is healing.”
The program has also fostered a sense of ownership among community members. Villagers are now active participants in conservation, understanding that protecting the mangroves directly supports their livelihoods.
Local leaders in Nyangba are expressing pride and optimism over the progress made through the mangrove conservation program. They see it not just as an environmental success, but as a model for sustainable development that balances ecological protection with community well-being. “This project has shown that when communities take the lead in protecting nature, everyone benefits, the environment and the people,” Blamo said.
He added that the initiative has strengthened social cohesion, as neighbors work together toward a common goal, and has inspired younger generations to value and care for their natural surroundings. The program demonstrates that empowering communities with knowledge, resources, and responsibility can produce long-term, positive outcomes that go far beyond immediate conservation gains.
Conservation International continues to play a critical role in supporting the initiative by providing ongoing training, state-of-the-art monitoring tools, and technical assistance to the community. This support ensures that local conservationists are equipped to respond to emerging challenges, track the health of the mangrove ecosystem, and maintain sustainable management practices.
Through combining community-led action with expert guidance, the program aims to safeguard the progress made in Nyangba, ensuring that the restored mangrove trees, thriving fish populations, and strengthened coastal resilience are preserved for years to come , benefiting both the environment and the people who depend on it.
Conservation International has also supported the strengthening of Liberia’s chapter of the Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) by facilitating its first General Assembly on December 8,2025 at the University of Liberia’s Climate Smart Laboratory.
The meeting brought together government officials, NGOs, technical experts, and alliance members to assess mangrove conservation efforts and set priorities for coordinated action. Established under the Blue Oceans Program with funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency through the Embassy of Sweden, the GMA Liberia chapter serves as a collaborative, science-based platform to protect and restore mangrove ecosystems. The initiative aims to strengthen national coordination, promote data sharing, and support sustainable livelihoods while safeguarding Liberia’s coastal environments.
