The Forestry Development Authority (FDA), in collaboration with the A.G. Leventis Foundation, Fauna & Flora, and partners, hosted a landmark validation workshop on March 10, 2026, at D’Calabash, Monrovia. The event marked the official validation of Liberia’s National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Crime (2026–2030) and the launch of the National Wildlife Crime Database of Liberia.
The workshop brought together chiefs of joint security, judiciary representatives, FDA leadership, park wardens from protected areas, and stakeholders from across Liberia’s counties, including Lofa, Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Sinoe, East Nimba, Grand Mount, Margibi, and Montserrado.
Opening remarks were delivered by Mr Jerry Yonmah, Technical Manager for the Conservation Department at FDA, who emphasized the urgency of addressing human–wildlife conflict and the importance of a unified national direction. On behalf of FDA management, he welcomed participants and underscored the need for strong instruments to guide Liberia’s response to wildlife crime.
In her special statement, Madam Nora G. Bowier, FDA’s senior representative, highlighted the authority’s statutory mandate dating back to the Forest Act of 1953. She noted that despite decades of collaboration with communities, ministries, agencies, donors, and conservation partners, challenges such as wildlife crime, forest loss, weak legislation, and limited alternative livelihoods persist. She stressed that the new strategy will: – Strengthen enforcement capacity and coordination against national and transboundary trafficking—Enhance intelligence gathering and public awareness — Establish effective mechanisms and mandates — Develop robust data management systems.
The strategy also fulfils Liberia’s international commitments under the African Strategy on Combatting Illegal Exploitation and Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora, the ECOWAS Forest Convergence Plan, the West African Strategy on Combatting Wildlife Crime, and obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Dr. Mary Molokwu Odozi, Country Director for Fauna & Flora, set the scene by recognizing the lengthy journey towards this milestone. She emphasized that as part of implementing the West Africa Strategy for Combating Wildlife Crime, ECOWAS requires member states to develop national strategies for combating wildlife crime. She further highlighted the importance of the new FDA-managed database, which will enable Liberia to meet CITES’ requirements and provide crucial information to guide tailored responses to address threats to globally important species such as the critically endangered African forest elephant and western chimpanzee. She stated that the National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Crime and the Wildlife Crime Database were both developed by Fauna & Flora International with funding from the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund of the UK Government in 2020. She acknowledged the contributions of institutions such as the Liberia Rescue Chimpanzee & Protection (LCRP), Wild Chimpanzee Foundation (WCF), and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), whose technical advisor, Mr Tarik Bodasing, played a key role in training law enforcement personnel on the use and management of the Database. She called for renewed commitment and collaboration among all partners in tackling illegal wildlife trade in Liberia and the West African sub-region.
Presentations were delivered by Mr. Abednego Gbarway (Wildlife Manager, FDA), Ms. Jenny Desmond (Founder, LCRP), Mr. Edward Appleton (Law Enforcement Manager, FDA), and Mr. Tarik Bodasing (RSPB Technical Adviser). They focused on the status of the Draft National Strategy for Combatting Wildlife Crime, a review of wildlife crime locally, regionally, and globally, and a demonstration of how the database works.
The Wildlife Crime Database was officially launched by Mr. Jerry Yonmah, on behalf of the FDA Managing Director, and a communique on the adoption and validation of the National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Crime was signed by all participants.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks from the General Police Commander of Grand Gedeh County, Commander Moses C. Gberyan, reaffirming Liberia’s collective commitment to implementing the strategy.
The FDA is Liberia’s statutory agency mandated to ensure the sustainable management, conservation, and protection of Liberia’s forests and biodiversity. Since its establishment under the Forest Act of 1953, the FDA has worked with communities, government institutions, and international partners to safeguard Liberia’s natural heritage.
The FDA was established by the national legislature on December 20, 1976.