The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-Liberia, in collaboration with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), has successfully organized a two-day Training of Trainers workshop.
The workshop, which was conducted from August 28–29, 2025, brought together representatives from all four regions of Liberia’s two major forest landscapes, marking an important step toward strengthening forest governance and institutional capacity.
“Delivered by a consulting firm with technical support from UNDP-Liberia, the workshop was a vital part of the Community-based Forestry and Protected Area Management Project, which is generously funded by the Swedish Embassy,” a release said.
The initiative, according to the release, aims to improve the operational efficiency of FDA’s Conservation, Community, and Carbon Departments (CCCDs).
FDA Human Resource Manager, Mrs. Angeline K. F. Yini, welcomed participants, and highlighted the significance of the training.
“Our recent capacity needs assessment highlighted gaps in project management, reporting, data management, and field operations.
To address these require, not just tools, but skilled and motivated people, making this training especially valuable,” Mrs. Yini said.
She said the training, made possible through the partnership of UNDP Liberia, the Swedish Embassy, and technical consultants, comes at a critical time for the FDA.
“Over the next two days, you will enhance your skills in monitoring and evaluation, report writing, time management, effective communication, and professional conduct. These are not only for personal growth, but they are also essential to our mission of protecting Liberia’s forests, supporting communities, and ensuring sustainable conservation.”
She continued: “This training prepares you to develop your own skills and share knowledge with colleagues across all regions. Together, we can close gaps, enhance performance, and strengthen the FDA for future generations. I encourage you to engage fully, and I sincerely thank our partners and facilitators for their ongoing support.”
The training was based on a thorough three-month capacity needs assessment that identified several key gaps, including limited skills in project proposal writing, reporting, and monitoring and evaluation (M and E). It also highlighted weak communication systems, a lack of centralized data management, a shortage of trained field staff, especially in the carbon department, insufficient equipment for rangers and field operations, and the absence of dedicated units for project management, M and E, and communication.
To address these challenges, the workshop highlighted practical skill-building in M and E techniques, report writing, time management, verbal and non-verbal communication, and professional office etiquette.
A comprehensive training manual created for the project now functions as a long-term resource for both central and field staff, helping trainers disseminate knowledge nationwide.
FDA Program and Planning Manager, Steve Freeman, stressed the workshop impact.
“On behalf of the FDA, I thank all participants for your active engagement in this Training of Trainers workshop. Over the past two days, we have developed important skills in monitoring and evaluation, reporting, time management, effective communication, and professional conduct skills that will enhance our work across all regions,” said Freeman.
He encouraged participants to share their knowledge, apply what they have learned, and continue collaborating to address the gaps identified in the recent capacity assessment.
By doing so, we enhance not only our individual skills, but also the overall strength of the FDA, furthering our mission to protect country’s forests and promote sustainable conservation.
UNDP Liberia reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening institutions and promoting inclusive development.
“This initiative is a strategic investment in people and systems,” said Robert Sekungu, the project manager of the Community-based Forestry Management project.
“By closing critical capacity gaps, we are empowering the FDA to protect Liberia’s forests, support forest-dependent communities, and promote sustainable conservation for future generations,” said Sekungu.
The workshop highlights UNDP’s ongoing support for resilient institutions and sustainable natural resource management, contributing to Liberia’s national development goals and the global Sustainable Development Agenda.