Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
By Jeff Massah/jeff,massah24@gmail.com
In the Nyangba Community situated in Grand Bassa County, sea turtles that were once vulnerable to harvesting are now thriving, thanks to a renewed spirit of conservation and strong community partnerships. These endangered species have shifted from being a source of consumption to becoming valued companions and symbols of local pride.
This transformation has been made possible through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Natural Capital Accounting Project, implemented by Conservation International (CI) in this coastal community near Buchanan City. The project collaborates closely with residents, empowering them to protect coastal resources while fostering community stewardship.
This initiative is being led by 15 dedicated community conservationists, trained and equipped to protect marine life and coastal ecosystems. Among them is Weah Blamo, a senior elder in Nyangba, who now serves as a frontline conservationist with CI. “My work is to protect the mangroves and marine life, especially the turtles,” Blamo explains. “This is what I do now for my community.”
These conservationists received hands-on training in best practices for environmental protection. They were provided with tablets to record wildlife data, monitor turtle activity, and submit regular reports, integrating technology into daily conservation work. But the training went beyond tools: it cultivated a deep understanding of the ecological importance of sea turtles, which play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems.
CI also supported the community with essential tools, infrastructure, and materials, strengthening local capacity to protect wildlife. Before this intervention, turtles were often captured or harmed due to a lack of awareness. Today, that has changed dramatically. “If someone sees a turtle now, we take pictures and return it safely to the sea,” says Blamo, a local conservationist. “Nobody kills turtles anymore.”
During a recent visit to the town, the Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) team witnessed a powerful demonstration of community commitment to conservation. Residents gathered along the shore to hold a brief, heartfelt ceremony as they escorted a sea turtle that had been mistakenly caught back to the sea. The event was more than a simple act of returning the animal; it symbolized a shared sense of responsibility and respect for marine life.
Community members, young and old, participated in the ceremony, carefully guiding the turtle into the water while observing traditional gestures of care and protection. “This is our way of showing that we value these creatures and the role they play in our ecosystem,” said one female community conservationist
This moment validated the profound behavioral and cultural shift that has taken place in Nyangba. What was once a community where turtles were at risk from harvesting has now become a place where residents actively protect and celebrate wildlife. The ceremony demonstrated that conservation here is not just a project; it is a shared community value, fostering stronger stewardship of marine species and contributing to a healthier, more resilient coastal ecosystem.
The 15 trained frontline conservationists in Nyangba now serve as the community’s vigilant guardians of marine life. They conduct daily patrols along both the coastline and mangrove areas, strategically divided into two groups to ensure full coverage of the turtle habitats. During these patrols, the conservationists closely monitor turtle nesting sites, track their movements, and document breeding activity, creating a detailed record that informs ongoing protection strategies.
Their work also focuses on preventing illegal harvesting and other harmful activities, actively deterring poaching while fostering a culture of respect for wildlife. Beyond enforcement, the patrols are a key avenue for community education, as the conservationists engage local residents, fishermen, and schoolchildren in discussions about sustainable practices and the ecological role of sea turtles in maintaining healthy oceans.
This combination of surveillance, protection, and education has transformed Nyangba from a community where turtles were once at risk into a safe and thriving sanctuary. The consistent presence of trained conservationists has reduced threats to these endangered species, allowing them to reproduce successfully and contribute to the overall health of the marine ecosystem.
Moreover, the initiative has empowered the community, building local pride and ownership in conservation efforts and demonstrating how structured, community-led interventions can create lasting environmental impact.
Through consistent support from Conservation International, Nyangba has become a model for marine conservation in Liberia. What was once a high-risk area for turtles is now a protected environment where wildlife is respected and preserved. “Because of the training, people understand now. We protect the turtles, and we protect our future,” Blamo reflects.
This success illustrates that true conservation thrives when communities are empowered, equipped, and educated. By building local capacity, providing the right tools, and fostering awareness, the Nyangba community has transformed from passive observers into active custodians of their natural heritage. The benefits extend beyond wildlife protection—healthy marine ecosystems support fisheries, tourism, and coastal resilience, directly improving livelihoods while safeguarding biodiversity.
Nyangba’s journey is a compelling example of how local stewardship, reinforced by national and global initiatives, can generate lasting environmental and social impact. Thanks to the dedication of frontline conservationists and the commitment of the broader community, endangered species like sea turtles are no longer at risk—they are thriving. Their presence enriches Liberia’s coastal ecosystems, creating a legacy of conservation that will sustain both nature and the people who depend on it for generations to come.
