Africa-Press – Liberia. The Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) and Foundation for Community Initiatives (FCI) have taken the initiative to educate citizens in the Gbi Forest Communities about the carbon credit market and the Blue Carbon deal. The government of Liberia is currently in advanced discussions with a United Arab Emirates-based firm for carbon offset development. If the deal is agreed upon, Blue Carbon will control a significant portion of Liberia’s land for the next 30-60 years.
The SDI and FCI recently conducted an education session in Gbi Chiefdom, specifically in Freeman and Wontoe Towns. Participants from all 17 towns and one village were invited to learn about the benefits and risks associated with the carbon market and to analyze the draft Blue Carbon deal. The communities expressed their curiosity regarding Liberia’s existing laws governing the carbon market and the potential effects on their geographic areas. They also questioned why they should have been informed by the government about this deal, considering its impact on their forests.
Jonathan W. Yiah, the Program Coordinator of the Forest Governance Program (FGP) at SDI, presented to the participants and emphasized the objective of the awareness session – to educate community members about the proposed agreement with Blue Carbon.
Mr. Yiah stated, “We have come to educate you on the carbon market, its good and bad side. We weren’t sent by the government. We are concerned about the Blue Carbon deal and why our people are not informed about it.”
The Paramount Chief of Gbi Chiefdom, Arthur W. Sayee, expressed his gratitude for the enlightening session and urged the SDI to continue their educational efforts.
Speaking at the meeting, Arthur W. Sayee, Paramount Chief of Gbi Chiefdom, said, “We haven’t attended any workshop on the carbon market or even the Blue Carbon deal. But today is one of the happiest days in the history of Gbi Chiefdom, as well as the Gbi & Doru district for SDI to clearly educate us like this. We just want to say thank you, SDI.”
“SDI, we say thank you and don’t get tired of teaching us,” Arthur W. Sayee, Paramount Chief of Gbi Chiefdom.
Some participants, like Ma Helena Wiles of Freeman Town, expressed surprise that the government has not yet held a meeting with them to discuss the Blue Carbon deal. The concerned citizens stressed the importance of respecting the Land Rights Act and the Forestry Laws, which require Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) before signing any agreement.
Jacob Hilton, the Program Development Officer at SDI, encouraged participants to inform their respective communities about the carbon market and the Blue Carbon deal. He emphasized the need for forest communities to learn from past mistakes and gain a better understanding of the benefits and calculations involved. The project is supported by the UK’s Forest Governance, Markets, and Climate Program.
“As Forest communities, we should fight hard so we can’t be making the same mistakes. You were taught how to calculate land rental and cubic meter fees, but up to now, some of us don’t know how to calculate them. What more about something you cannot see, how will you know the benefits, and how you will get them? The information provided here will help you all,” Jacob Hilton, Program Development Officer at SDI.
In conclusion, the SDI and FCI have taken the opportunity to enlighten citizens in the Gbi Forest Communities about the carbon market and the Blue Carbon deal, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge and information to make informed decisions.
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