By: Morrison Wleh
As part of the European Union (EU) funded Sustainable forest conservation in southeastern Liberia” project, communities in Tarjuowon District around the Proposed Kwa National Park in Sinoe County are already seeing real impact, including a 15-horsepower speedboat and 20 life jackets donated to residents by the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation (WCF) and partners, in collaboration with the Forestry DevelopmentAuthority (FDA).
The boat and the equipment are showcasing one of the many conservation-related benefits for the host communities around Proposed Kwa, Sapo and Grebo-Krahn National Parks, and come in direct response to a request from local youth in Tarjuowon District, aiming to ease the challenge of crossing the Sanquin River, a vital link for transportation, trade, and daily life.
Training of two boatmen is ongoing and will continue until they fully master the use of the powerful engine.
Annie Pobleh, Superintendent of Tarjuowon District, speaking on behalf of citizens, expressed heartfelt thanks to the EU, FDA, and WCF, sharing that the new speedboat will “improve lives and support local businesses.”
Dr. Annika Hillers, Country Director of the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, called the donation a “crucial step in community empowerment and conservation partnerships”, and emphasized the need for continued local support to finalize the gazettement of the Proposed Kwa National Park and push for its legal recognition.
This is what real community support looks like, people coming together, working towards a shared goal, and actually making a difference.
