Duarzon, Margibi County, 09/12/2024 – The Civil Society Working Group on Land Rights (CSOWGLR), in partnership with the Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) and local community leaders, is set to officially inaugurate the Southeastern Regional Community Land Development Management Committee (SRCLDMC) on September 16-17, 2024. The establishment event will take place in Yarpah Town, Rivercess County.
The initiative will commence with the revision and adoption of two pivotal documents: the CLDMCs directory and the bylaws, which are designed to guide the network’s establishment. The highlight of the event will be the elections and induction of the SRCLDMC leadership, scheduled for September 17. The County Land Administrator of Rivercess, Mr. Borbor Boeyon, and representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs will be present to speak and induct the new leadership.
The event will see the participation of 71 CLDMC chairpersons, representing a diverse group including women, youth, and men from the counties of Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Maryland, Rivercess, Rivergee, and Sinoe.
Over the past three months, the CSOWGLR’s membership and technical team have facilitated a series of consultative and planning meetings to form the SRCLDMC. A legal consultant was engaged to develop a directory of existing Community Land Development and Management Committees across Liberia’s 15 counties, along with a draft bylaw to serve as a legal framework for the network. These documents have been thoroughly reviewed by the Working Group.
The CLDMCs and CSOWG have shared ideas on structuring the network to ensure it serves as a powerful voice for customary communities. Strategies for visibility, legal registration, and sustainability have been developed, with a legal consultant filing relevant documents and drafting a constitution for the group.
In a press release, the Working Group emphasized that this initiative marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable land use and management practices in the Southeastern region of Liberia. The SRCLDMC will oversee and coordinate land development activities, with a focus on environmentally responsible practices, enhancing socio-economic opportunities, and protecting stakeholder rights.
As a key platform for community engagement, the SRCLDMC will collaborate with government authorities, NGOs, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to address land-related challenges and promote best practices in land management. This inclusive approach aims to ensure participatory decision-making processes in the region.
The SRCLDMC is committed to fostering sustainable land development that prioritizes the well-being of customary land-owning communities, environmental protection, and long-term prosperity. By promoting dialogue, transparency, and accountability, the SRCLDMC aims to build a robust and inclusive land management system that empowers communities and supports sustainable development.
This establishment is part of a project funded by the Rights & Resources Initiative (RRI) under the title: “Addressing the challenges in issuance of deeds and building the governance capacity of customary land community institutions, including adequate representation of women and youth.” The project aligns with the 2018 Land Rights Act, Articles 32 to 37, which outline conditions for the identification, governance, and demarcation of community or customary land.
The Working Group stated, “The establishment of the Southeastern Regional Community Land Development Management Committee reflects our collective commitment to promoting responsible land governance, fostering community participation, and advancing sustainable development goals in Liberia. We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to realize our shared vision of a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for the Southeastern region.”
The CSO Working Group comprises around 30 to 31 civil society and international organizations working in Liberia’s land and natural resource sectors. Established in 2014, it advocated for the passage of the progressive 2018 Land Rights Act (LRA) and focuses on ensuring holistic and gender-sensitive implementation of the law. The SDI is a co-convener of this initiative.
