Published: June 25, 2025
BARCLAYVILLE CITY, Grand Kru County — Communities across Grand Kru County have united in a historic agreement to protect and sustainably manage their mangrove forests—a vital step toward safeguarding local ecosystems, fisheries, and livelihoods threatened by deforestation and sea erosion.
The six-month agreement, signed Monday during a colorful ceremony in Barclayville City, brought together community leaders from Garraway, Grand Cess, Picnic Cess and Sass Town.
The pact was facilitated by Conservation International (CI), in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Community Development Agency (CDA), with support from the government of Sweden.
“This is not just a local deal; it’s a national model,” said Levi Z. Piah, the EPA’s Blue Ocean focal person.
Piah added that the EPA stands with the people of Grand Kru and assured them of support through training, monitoring and legal backing.
The signing ceremony drew elders, chiefs, educators, women’s leaders and youth representatives—all pledging to take ownership and responsibility for protecting the mangroves, which serve as crucial barriers against sea erosion and breeding grounds for marine life.
Communities Commit to Action
Garraway Women’s Leader Beatrice Nyenkan pledged to lead an educational campaign for women, many of whom rely on mangroves for firewood and shellfish harvesting.
“This is our forest, our water, our livelihood,” Nyenkan said. “No woman from Garraway will cut a mangrove tree again. Instead, we’ll teach our daughters to protect it.”
Garraway Youth Leader Lama N. Gyflan described the pact as a turning point. “Many of us youths now understand the science and spirit of conservation,” he said. “We will form volunteer eco-patrols, document violations and work with our elders.”
Town Chief Dickson T. Jeh also vowed strict local enforcement. “I sign this agreement in the name of our ancestors and our unborn children. Offenders will be dealt with—not by outsiders, but by our own community,” he declared.
Educators are also joining the effort. Teacher S. Cotee Jeh said local schools will integrate mangrove education into their academic activities. “The blackboard will be our frontline,” he said.
Grand Cess and Picnic Cess Follow Suit
Grand Cess Town Chief Aloysius Monsio Nyepan committed to forming a local task force to enforce the agreement, emphasizing the town’s dependence on fishing for survival.
Grand Cess Youth Leader Sabestine B. Seebo issued a warning to would-be violators: “We will monitor, we will report, and we will act. If anyone dares to burn or cut mangroves, they’ll face the consequences.”
Picnic Cess Town Chief Columbus Karpeh called the agreement a historic achievement. “The mangroves are our defense against the sea and our guardians of fish,” he said. “Picnic Cess will lead by example.”
Women’s Leader Mary Weah vowed to train other women in sustainable fishing practices and discourage methods that harm mangrove roots.
In Sass Town, leaders declared their mangrove zones sacred, warning that violators will face a two-month suspension from fishing.
Penalties Outlined
The agreement includes a graduated penalty structure for violations. For a first offense, the violator will receive a written warning. A second offense will result in a 10% deduction in community benefits.
The third offense will lead to a 50% reduction in benefits, while a fourth and final offense by the same violator(s) will result in termination of the partnership and withdrawal of donor support from Conservation International.
As part of the partnership, Conservation International pledged $40,000 worth of equipment—including canoes, motorcycles, tricycles and fishing gear—to help communities shift toward sustainable livelihoods.
“This is a bold step toward protecting the livelihoods of our coastal communities,” said Grand Kru Relieving Commissioner Tartu Gray. “It is also a major contribution to Liberia’s fight against climate change.”
Gray assured full administrative support for enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
“Today marks a turning point. Together, we are choosing sustainability over short-term gain, responsibility over exploitation, and a future for generations to come,” he said.
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