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Conservation International (CI) has concluded a two-day capacity-building training for Frontline Conservationists (FCs) in Lofa County under the Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) Impact Program. The training sought to enhance the technical and practical skills of community-based conservation workers who play a vital role in safeguarding Liberia’s rich forests and wildlife habitats.
The initiative brought together FCs from four communities within the Lower Guma Clan who are actively implementing conservation agreements aimed at promoting sustainable land management and forest protection. Through interactive sessions, participants deepened their understanding of conservation practices, biodiversity monitoring, and strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
Practical exercises focused on strengthening community monitoring systems and equipping participants with tools to identify and report illegal forest activities, such as unauthorized logging and wildlife poaching. The training also emphasized the collection and management of environmental data to inform evidence-based decision-making at both community and institutional levels.
Presentations from CI’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Department highlighted the critical role of forests in sustaining local livelihoods, maintaining ecosystem balance, and combating climate change. The department further demonstrated the use of digital tools and mobile data collection applications that FCs can now deploy during their patrols.
The Forestry Development Authority (FDA) facilitated an additional session on effective forest patrol methodologies, the legal framework for forest management, and the identification of Liberia’s protected wildlife species. FDA’s participation reinforced the importance of collaboration between government and community actors in addressing threats to forest ecosystems.
Each Frontline Conservationist received a package of field equipment ,including mobile tablets, power banks, backpacks, and other essential materials to enhance their effectiveness in data collection and reporting. These tools are expected to improve coordination, transparency, and efficiency in community-led conservation work.
The FOLUR team announced that similar training sessions will soon be conducted in Gbarpolu and Grand Cape Mount Counties as part of broader efforts to build local capacity and strengthen community-driven forest protection initiatives across Liberia.
The Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) Project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented in partnership with the Government of Liberia through the Forestry Development Authority and other national stakeholders. It aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices, restore degraded landscapes, and conserve biodiversity across key ecosystems in Liberia.
