A section of a forest in Liberia. PHOTO/Frankling Kwenah.
By FRANKLIN N. KWENAH
newshub@eyewitness.africa
in Monrovia, Liberia
In Liberia, natural resource governance remains a significant challenge due to corruption, mismanagement, and opacity in the management of resources like timber, rubber, and minerals.
Natural resource governance in Liberia has faced persistent issues, undermining national development and the well-being of its citizens. These challenges are characterized by corruption, mismanagement, and a lack of transparency in the management of key resources.
Addressing these issues requires the involvement of a new generation of leaders capable of advocating for sustainable practices and holding stakeholders accountable.
From September 4 to 6, 2024, ActionAid Liberia conducted a three-day intensive training program focused on natural resource governance and climate justice.
The training, held at the organization’s Global Platform Office in Gbarnga, targeted 15 young leaders from Bong, Montserrado, and Gbarpolu Counties.
The event was part of ActionAid Liberia’s Natural Resource Management (NRM) Training of Trainers program, themed “Building Youth Collective Power for Natural Resource Governance and Climate Justice Advocacy.”
The primary objective of the training was to develop a cohort of young leaders who could, in turn, educate and mobilize other youths, students, and women’s groups.
The program aimed to build their capacity to monitor concessions, advocate for forest conservation, and engage in climate action. Participants were selected from eight organizations, reflecting a broad base of support for the initiative.
The training was aligned with the SPAC and SPA 2 Projects, which focus on building resilient communities for sustainable natural resource management.
An Action Aid training session in progress. PHOTO/Frankling Kwenah.
These projects emphasize accountability, transparency, and the promotion of “feminist leadership” to challenge patriarchal norms in resource management.
Effective natural resource governance in Liberia necessitates a multi-faceted approach involving; informing and engaging local communities, civil society organizations, and government agencies to advocate for transparency and accountability.
It also involves empowering individuals and groups to oversee resource extraction and management practices and promoting practices that contribute to a more sustainable and equitable natural resource sector.
Recommendations from the training included; continuous provision of training and capacity-building opportunities for young leaders and community members and fostering collaboration among civil society organizations, government bodies, and community groups to enhance resource governance.
Support for initiatives that challenge existing power dynamics and promote inclusive leadership in resource management was also recommended.
Promoting good natural resource governance in Liberia requires ongoing, collaborative efforts. This includes a commitment to holding all stakeholders accountable and encouraging active citizen participation in advocacy and governance initiatives.
By supporting such efforts, Liberia can work towards a more transparent and sustainable management of its natural resources.
