Africa-Press – Liberia. The Platform for Dialogue and Peace (P4DP), in partnership with Conservation International through the Swedish Embassy-funded Blue Ocean Project, launched an exciting new initiative on Friday titled “Green City – Empowering Vulnerable Youth.
‘‘The theme for the event was Green City 4 Peace: Youth in Action – Transforming Waste into Hope, Climate Change Action and Peace.”
The launch took place at P4DP’s Head Office in Matadi, Airfield, Monrovia and gathered key stakeholders, including police officers, motorcyclists, street youth, women and community leaders, to collectively address climate resilience, waste management, and peacebuilding.
A significant highlight of the day was the planting of Liberia’s first-ever “Dialogue Tree” at the Salem Police Station on Airfield. This tree serves as a living symbol of reconciliation, cooperation, and environmental stewardship between the police and young people, particularly those most affected by urban challenges.
Police Officer Melvin G. Ben emphasized the importance of community relationships, assuring motorcyclists and community leaders, “We are here for everyone. We are not here to seize your bikes; our role is to enforce the laws for safety. Now, with peace among the police, motorcyclists, the community, and marketers, we can move forward together.”
He added, “This initiative is the first of its kind in Liberia, and I am proud that our Airfield Police Depot is hosting it. We will nurture this tree, and from today onward, it will be a place where police and cyclists meet—not in conflict, but in conversation. We want to change how we engage with our youth while also keeping our city clean and peaceful.”
Officer Prince Kamara highlighted the police’s dual role in law enforcement and peacekeeping. He stated, “While our duty is to enforce the law, we are also partners in peace.” He noted that the dialogue served as a trust-building exercise between the Liberia National Police (LNP) and motorcyclists—two groups whose relationship has often been marked by tension.’’
“Many people do not understand the role of a policeman,” he explained. “We took an oath to enforce the law, but in doing so, we must reason. We are your friends. While you sleep, we work tirelessly to maintain peace.”
Police officers committed to using the Dialogue Tree as a peaceful meeting point for resolving disputes between law enforcement and cyclists. They also encouraged the planting of similar trees at police stations nationwide.
The event featured a youth-led dialogue session, an environmental skit, and a poem titled “Ride for Change, Rise for Green,” presented by a 7th-grade student.
The highlight of the ceremony included the official handover of two motorbikes and a tricycle (kehkeh), branded with “Green City Youth in Action – P4DP and Conservation International,” to support community outreach, environmental education, and dialogue initiatives.
Additional items distributed included five rakes, two watering cans, two wheelbarrows, five shovels, four pick-mattocks, ten cutlasses, four bags of twine rope, and seven pairs of farm boots.
The challenges posed by climate change require creative, inclusive, and community-driven solutions. The presence of multiple stakeholders demonstrated the project’s integrated approach to advocacy and ownership.
In brief remarks, Lakpazee Community Chairman Isaac Weedee praised the initiative as a turning point in civic responsibility. “If we all decide to make our city a green city, it will become one,” Weedee said. “The police must be tolerant, the cyclists must be disciplined, and we as citizens must commit to keeping our environment clean. That is how we build peace.”
He also urged donors to continue supporting P4DP’s impactful initiatives, stating, “You are one of the greatest organizations I know. Your plans are beneficial for this country. This project has the potential to transform Monrovia into a clean, green, and peaceful city, similar to Kigali, if all of us—from national stakeholders to youth—work together.”
A motorcyclist remarked that the Dialogue Tree represents traditional community spaces for conflict resolution: “It’s a neutral ground where both sides can find fairness and understanding—a space to mend broken relationships and restore trust.”
Speaking on behalf of Conservation International, the Gender and Safeguard Officer Alenna Doue, commended P4DP’s innovative approach.
“We are inspired by how P4DP is living the values of the Blue Ocean Project—creating hope, inclusion, and sustainability through climate-smart and peace-cantered actions.”
She emphasized the importance of partnership, noting that by including both police officers and motorbike riders, P4DP is taking a meaningful step toward sustainability.
“If we have our forces here, our motorbike riders, and our marketers all learning how to keep the community safe, it will help bring more peace, like your slogan says — ‘Platform for Dialogue and Peace.’”
She stated CI’s commitment to remain a strong partner in implementing peace-centered projects.
“This is our joint thing now because CI and P4DP are all family. Use everything that has been given to you for the right purpose, and CI will always be willing to work with you,” she added, drawing loud applause from attendees.
In closing remarks, P4DP’s Program Manager, Kennedy Berrian, described the project as both an environmental initiative and a peacebuilding effort aimed at empowering marginalized youth while addressing the escalating garbage disposal crisis in the capital.
“We are committed to peacebuilding, community development, and the empowerment of women and youth,” Berrian stated. “Today marks a significant milestone for us with the launch of the Green City Project. This initiative focuses on empowering vulnerable youth, which lies at the core of our mission as an NGO dedicated to supporting the most marginalized populations.”
He emphasized that the poor state of waste management in Monrovia poses not just a sanitation problem, but a serious threat to peace and community cohesion.
“If you live in certain areas of downtown Monrovia, you may wake up to find people dumping garbage in front of homes and community spaces. This is a critical issue for peacebuilding,” he pointed out. “Thus, this project aims to empower these vulnerable individuals to maintain a clean and serene environment.”
He expressed gratitude to Conservation International and the Swedish Embassy for their support, reiterating the overarching goal of the Green City initiative:
“This project isn’t about cleaning our streets; it’s about fostering trust, instilling hope, and empowering youth to drive change. Together, we can work towards making Monrovia greener, safer and more peaceful.”
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