Published: June 23, 2025
KABLAKEH, Maryland County – Three coastal communities in Maryland County—Fish Town, Worteken, and Kablakeh—have signed a six-month renewable conservation agreement to protect mangrove forests and promote sustainable fishing in the Harper District. The landmark pact, backed by Conservation International Liberia, formalizes a community-led effort to curb mangrove deforestation, raise environmental awareness, strengthen local enforcement, and provide alternative livelihoods through targeted support and training.
The signing ceremony, held in Kablakeh Township, brought together local leaders, traditional chiefs, environmental officials, and residents who pledged collective responsibility to preserve the mangrove wetlands—vital breeding grounds for marine life and natural barriers against coastal erosion.
Speaking at the event, Courtis Jackson, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for Conservation International’s Southeastern Region, emphasized the urgency of local involvement in ecosystem protection. He described mangroves as crucial natural assets that support biodiversity, combat climate change, and sustain livelihoods.
“Mangroves are not just trees—they are life support systems,” Jackson said. “Engaging these communities directly ensures that conservation efforts are sustainable and locally driven.”
As part of the agreement, CI committed to equipping each community with key resources to support sustainable fishing and reduce reliance on mangrove wood. Each town will receive a 15-horsepower motorized canoe, one tricycle, two bicycles, five solar-powered fish freezers, and 15 bundles of high-quality fishing nets. The total value of the support package is estimated at US$30,000.
“This is not just a donation—it’s an investment in your future,” Jackson said. He clarified that the support will come in the form of goods and equipment, not cash, as requested by the communities themselves.
Town chiefs welcomed the agreement and vowed strict enforcement. Chief George Adaty Freeman of Fish Town said his leadership would not tolerate illegal cutting of mangroves.
“No one will be allowed to harvest mangroves for charcoal or firewood,” Freeman declared. “We will be the first to report anyone violating this pact.”
Another chief warned that violators will face customary penalties, including community service and fines, in addition to sanctions outlined in the agreement.
Government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Cooperative Development Agency (CDA), were also present to witness the signing and endorse the initiative. EPA Blue Ocean Focal Point Levi Z. Piah described the agreement as a milestone in grassroots conservation.
“The destruction of mangroves threatens the biodiversity of our coastlines and the resilience of the communities that depend on them,” Piah said. “This agreement is a model of how local action can lead national change.”
CDA Program Assistant Benedict Togba encouraged fishery cooperatives in the region to use the opportunity to adopt sustainable practices and reject environmentally harmful methods.
Representing Maryland County Superintendent George A. Prowd, Superintendent’s Messenger Joe Brown hailed the agreement as a bold example for other coastal communities. Harper District Commissioner Napoleon N. Brown pledged his office’s support for monitoring and dispute resolution throughout the enforcement period.
The agreement carries clear consequences for violations. First-time offenders will receive a 10 percent reduction in their benefit supplies along with a written warning. Repeat violators face harsher penalties—25 percent and 50 percent reductions in supplies for third and fourth offenses, respectively. After four violations, the community’s participation in the agreement may be terminated.
In addition to these sanctions, community-enforced customary fines will apply, with local leadership tasked with enforcement.
The agreement is subject to review and possible renewal after six months, based on community compliance and observed environmental impact. All stakeholders committed to regular monitoring, joint evaluations, and transparent implementation.
With mangrove forests across West Africa under increasing threat, this localized initiative offers a promising blueprint for national replication. Community members, including women leaders, expressed optimism and pledged to uphold the terms of the agreement.
“This is our chance to lead by example,” said one community elder. “If we protect the mangroves today, our children will still have fish to catch tomorrow.”
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