47 Former ‘Bushmeat Sellers’ Certificated In Monrovia -WCF Country Director Praises Beneficiaries

It was Friday, May, 2025 on Peace Island in Congo Town behind the Ministerial Complex, where forty seven ladies referred to as –‘Volunteer Community Women attired in green  T-shirts were celebrated in front of the community general market.

“Today is a very special day for all of us, as we are celebrating 47 strong women from 13 markets across Monrovia, Paynesville and few additional markets,” Wild Chimpanzee Foundation Country Director, Dr. Annika Hillers told the gathering.

The ceremony was characterized by success stories narrated by beneficiaries and implementers of the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation project aimed at transforming the mindset of women who have over the years been fond of making bushmeat business across Liberia.

“ The women who are celebrating today have shown that they are role models for all Liberians and the entire world. After selling bushmeat for many years, they decided to take the bold step to change and to become true champions for Liberian wildlife, which is unique to the world and Liberia’s important natural heritage,” Dr. Hillers noted.

She said the women also decided to leave illegal bushmeat trade, that is in violation of Liberian laws, a practice the WCF Country Director termed as not being sustainable but very risky, considering that many diseases can be transferred from wild animals to humans.

Dr. Hillers further emphasized that the women being celebrated have shown that they truly care about the current and future generations; adding, “They are not only thinking about today, but also about what happens tomorrow. They have shown that they are read to take on responsibility.”

Expressing public admiration about the way the women have conducted themselves, Dr. Hiller asserted that Liberian women are strong and ready to the make the change for a better today and tomorrow and ‘this is one of the things I personally love about Liberia. She expressed her conviction that those who will bring a better future for Liberia’s people and nature are the women.

Dr. Hiller disclosed that the 47 women being celebrated have joined 297 women who already went through the same program and became conservation champions all across Liberia. According her, in total since the  start of the Community Volunteer Program in 2020, already 344 Liberian women changed from selling bushmeat to legal and sustainable businesses in the program and have helped to educate others about the law, about the importance of wildlife, about protected species, about zoonotic diseases and about the importance of Liberia’s nature to keep Liberia and Liberians healthy and resilient.

She used the opportunity to laud the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA), as well as individual market superintendents, the Forestry Development Association (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and all partners, for the high level of collaboration and support for the Community Volunteer Program, which she indicated; will continue soon with another batch of 100 women in Southeastern Liberia.

Dr. Hillers also recognized the efforts of the European Union  in providing financial support for the program, in particular through the PROBIO (Protecting biodiversity through law enforcement and community –led initiatives) program.

“ You are making the change for yourselves, for your families, for your country and the entire world. Liberia’s wildlife, Liberia’s animals, and Liberia’s forests are unique in the world and we are grateful and proud that you are shining examples who are helping to protect this natural heritage. You are true conservation heroes and we hope the entire world will know you. Please remember- if a female bushmeat seller can change, everyone can change!” these were the closing words of WCF Country Director Hillers.     

Earlier, welcome remarks were made by the Vice President of LFA on behalf of the Association President Elizabeth Sambolah. The proxy encouraged the Community Volunteer Women to continue to exhibit seriousness in keeping the WCF Program active.

The Forestry Development Authority Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Elemuel Nenwah gave the program’s overview. She said they have been working with women who decide to change from bushmeat selling. Madam Nenwah told the gathering that any market that is illegal is not  good.

According to her, once the government has declared the bushmeat as illegal business, the women in the business have to put stop to it; adding “You can’t fight government.”

Madam Nenwah said women are multipliers and that the Community Volunteer Women whose certification brought participants together have just demonstrated her assertion because the money they received through the program was “small” but they have been able to multiply same and change them from selling bushmeat.

While, the 47 women who came from across Monrovia and its environs have been celebrated  for their commitment to transformation, such change depended on those who wanted to be changed, Madam Nenwah stressed.

As M&E Officer of FDA, Madam Nenwah observed that when they started recruitment for the program, some people did not take it serious, but later realizing its importance those who were not interest decided to come in ‘ but it was late.’

She encouraged the beneficiaries to remain ambassadors who will continue to champion the campaign against bushmeat selling to protect the animals in Liberia’s forests for the present and future generations.

In remarks, FDA Technical Manager for Conservation, Jerry Yonmah, lauded the WCF for the program and appealed to the Foundation for more projects to save Liberia’s forests and wildlife.

He observed that Liberia’s forests are fast- finishing, making specific reference to the forest in Grand Gedeh County which he said Burkinabees are currently cultivating for coaco plantation.

A representative of EPA at the ceremony also thanked the WCF for the certification of the Community Volunteer Women and pledged that the agency will continue to support programs that will help protect Liberia’s forests and species for present and future generations.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, Diana Morris hailed the WFC and partners for shifting them from selling bushmeat. She appealed to the Foundation, FDA and other partners not to forget about them; adding, “Remember us when you having other programs. Don’t leave us alone.” 

The ceremony was characterized by drama from members of Community Volunteer Women who narrated success stories since they were recruited to disengage bushmeat selling and venture into other businesses that are not illegal.