Africa
Protecting the Upper Guinean Forest in Liberia
Located on West Africa ’ s Atlantic coast , Liberia lies entirely within the moist forest zone of the Upper Guinean Forest . Here , coastal lowland forests with mangroves and swamps transform to gentle rolling hills and low mountains farther inland . With a rainy season from May to October , this habitat is optimal for harboring rich and unique biological diversity . Among the many rare species living here are the Critically Endangered African Forest Elephant , Critically Endangered Western Chimpanzee and Endangered Pygmy Hippopotamus .
Civil unrest and poverty , combined with deforestation from mining , logging , and cocoa and oil palm plantations , have left only an estimated 30 % of Liberia ’ s original rainforests still standing . The remaining forest is highly vulnerable , leaving many species at risk of extinction due to habitat loss and bushmeat hunting . Rainforest Trust has made the protection of the Upper Guinean Forest in Liberia , and the hundreds of species that depend on this ecosystem , a top priority .
Rainforest Trust began working in the Upper Guinean Forest region — specifically in the Greater Gola landscape of western Liberia — in 2015 with our local partner , the Society for the
Conservation of Nature of Liberia . Together , we supported the establishment of the 219,609-acre Gola Forest National Park in 2016 . Our efforts have since expanded to multiple projects and a multi-year commitment to protect 1 million acres of this vital terrain .
With the Gola Forest National Park successfully protected , Rainforest Trust and our partner began a four-year project in 2019 to support the recognition of over 300,000 acres of community forests surrounding the national park . These formal designations grant communities rights to manage their forests , helping to ensure a conservation buffer zone surrounding the national park . As part of this effort , the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia is working with the communities to develop sustainable farming practices for rice , beans and cocoa , as well as forest-friendly livelihood options like beekeeping . These local communities are also an integral part in ensuring protection of the forests , leading patrols in partnership with government officials .
In April 2021 , the first two community forests were designated : the Tonglay Community Forest and the Normon Community Forest . Together , these two forests total 79,262 acres and safely store 15,662,722 metric tons of CO 2 equivalents — equal to 3,374,835 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year .
Michael Garbo , Executive Director of the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia , expressed satisfaction with the recent agreement between the communities and the Forest Development Authority . “ This is an important milestone for our organization and for conservation in Liberia ,” he said .
A third Rainforest Trust project in West Africa ’ s rainforests to
10 Rainforest Trust 2021 Annual Report