Africa-Press – Liberia. Residents of Kongba District in Gbarpolu County have strongly rejected the government’s declaration of the Gola Forest National Park as the proposed Gola/Foyah Reserve, describing the move as unacceptable for failing to consult affected communities properly.
During a press conference over the weekend in Brewersville, leaders of the Kongba District Development Association demanded that the Government of Liberia de-gazette the park unless a comprehensive stakeholders’ conference is held to address the district’s concerns.
The Association’s Secretary General, Learplay Bainda, stated that, in accordance with the law and the forest management plan, the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) must clearly inform residents of the specific benefits they are entitled to from forest conservation.
Mr. Bainda stressed that the FDA and its implementing partner, Conservation of Nature of Liberia, must engage residents in genuine and meaningful dialogue to address their concerns.
He also called for the involvement of key partners—including the European Union, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Environmental Protection Agency, and Conservation International—to collaboratively address the district’s challenges, with a particular focus on restrictions that limit residents’ access to the forest.
Among their demands, residents are requesting the rehabilitation and regular maintenance of roads and bridges leading to the park.
They are also calling for employment and scholarship opportunities for youth in diverse fields, along with well-defined programs to empower women in the district.
Additionally, the Association seeks compensation for communities directly impacted by the park’s establishment, as well as the implementation of safety measures to prevent wild animals—such as elephants—from encroaching on towns and farmland.
The group is also urging the FDA and its partners to provide essential services, including safe drinking water, improved healthcare, and quality education for district residents.
The people of Kongba District reiterated their unequivocal opposition to the establishment of the Gola/Foyah Reserve in its current form, insisting that their concerns be addressed through inclusive consultation before any further action is taken.
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