-To Protect Communities and Forests
By Vaye Abel Lepolu
Monrovia, Liberia – ActionAid Liberia has stressed the need for inclusiveness and community participation in the development of Liberia’s draft carbon policy, warning that without meaningful involvement of women, youth, and people with disabilities, the policy risks failing those most affected by climate change.
Speaking at a recent national consultation, ActionAid Country Director Elizabeth Johnson said climate change and carbon credit initiatives must not be limited to technical experts and government officials.
“Our people have always known how to protect the forest through traditional practices,” Johnson noted. “But with modernization, many of those practices are disappearing. That is why any new policy must be inclusive, transparent, and participatory.”
Johnson emphasized that communities living near forest areas bear the brunt of climate impacts yet are often excluded from decision-making. She called for policies that ensure benefits flow directly to communities, transparency in carbon projects, and accessible grievance mechanisms for those affected.
She further stressed that Liberia should learn from other African countries’ experiences with carbon markets, ensuring that projects do not exploit local people or undermine their land rights.
“For us, inclusiveness is non-negotiable,” Johnson said. “The voices of young people, women, and local communities must be at the table. They should not only participate but also have ownership of the process.”
ActionAid pledged continued engagement with government and civil society stakeholders to ensure that Liberia’s carbon policy reflects social justice principles and contributes to both forest protection and sustainable community development.
However, Renowned lawyer and activist Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe reminded participants that Liberia’s cultural traditions once served as strong safeguards for forests and rivers.
“Our ancestors preserved sacred groves and streams, ensuring balance between people and nature. Sadly, these practices are disappearing, leaving our forests exposed to destruction,” Gongloe said, urging renewed awareness and conservation.
In addition, Dr. Annilia Hilles, Country Director of the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, warned that Liberia is losing ground to neighbors like Sierra Leone and Ghana, who are already generating millions annually from carbon projects.
“If the current rate of forest destruction continues, there will soon be no forest left to support carbon projects,” Hilles cautioned.
Banking Sector: Ready to Support
Meanwhile, Mr. Lawrence M. Sharpe, President of Liberia International Bank, pledged private sector backing for climate initiatives.
“Our doors remain open to support government and partners in ensuring Liberia benefits from carbon financing while protecting its rich biodiversity,” Sharpe said.
The consultation ended with consensus that Liberia must act swiftly to harmonize policies, protect its forests, and secure equitable benefits from the global carbon market.
