The Society for Environmental Conservation (SEC), with sponsorship from IUCN-Netherlands, has successfully concluded a year-long campaign against the destruction of the Liberian Greenbul and its habitat in Galay, Franzay Zai, and Tuzon Town in Tchien District, Grand Gedeh County. The project, which focused on communities within the patched forest of the proposed Zwedru National Forest, achieved significant results in biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihood practices.
As part of the campaign, local communities were trained in various aspects of environmental conservation. The following outcomes were achieved:
- Community Livelihood Assessment: The project began with a comprehensive assessment of the community’s conventional livelihood practices and their relationship to the proposed conservation landscape.
- Integrated Landscape Management Training: Local community-based organizations (CBOs) were trained in integrated landscape management, including agroforestry, climate change awareness, climate-smart agriculture, and swamp-merging vegetable production. This training aimed to reduce food insecurity while enhancing the community’s ability to participate in the conservation of the proposed national forest.
- Bird Identification and Forest Monitoring: Training sessions were also conducted on bird identification and local forest monitoring, equipping communities to recognize and protect important species like the Liberian Greenbul.
- Biodiversity Conservation Awareness: The project raised awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation in planning and management. As a result, local communities are now actively contributing to the protection of the remaining forest.
- Community Action and School Engagement: A community conservation action group was established, along with nature clubs in local schools. Additionally, conservation-themed tournaments were held across six schools in the region, engaging students in environmental education and promoting conservation awareness.
The campaign has empowered local communities to take a leading role in protecting the Liberian Greenbul and its habitat while supporting sustainable livelihoods. The success of this project is a testament to the collaborative efforts of SEC, IUCN-Netherlands, and the people of Tchien District.
For more details on this initiative and future conservation efforts, visit [SEC’s website] or contact us directly.