In Liberia’s lush landscapes, a quiet, but powerful transformation is underway. Once threatened by unsustainable practices, forests are now becoming sources of hope, resilience, and prosperity, thanks to the Leh Go Green Project, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented and supported through the UNDP Growth Accelerator program in partnership with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA). In Lofa, River Gee, Grand Gedeh, Cape Mount, and Gbarpolu counties, local forest-based enterprises are thriving, according to a release. At the heart of this movement are women and community champions, who are not only protecting biodiversity, but also creating jobs, improving nutrition, and amplifying voices in forest governance. In River Gbeh, Grand Gedeh County, Esther Brown transformed her life through beekeeping. Her business, Peri Urban Enterprise, now operates over 100 beehives, supplying honey, and food products to markets in River Gee, Fish Town, and Monrovia. With plans to expand into soap, shoe polish, candy, and body cream, Ester aims to create 70 direct jobs for youth and women. “Before, I used to cut down trees just to survive. Now, I protect the forest, and send my children to school with the income from honey,” Ester says proudly. From Sweetening Lives in Lofa County, Levuma, Vahum District, Mamie Mowah’s Business Center produces natural honey, and plans to diversify into eco-friendly products. Her enterprise supplies Lofa and Monrovia, with ambitions to reach Sierra Leone, while creating 50 direct jobs for youth and women. Tenneh Massalay, A Voice for Women and Nature
In Mano River Congo, Cape Mount County, Tenneh Massalay leads Tenneh Natural Honey, and serves as treasurer of her Community Forest Management Body (CFMB). With more than 80 beehives, she ensures transparency in forest revenues and inspires women to take part in governance. “For the first time, women’s voices are being heard. We’re helping decide how our forest is managed,” she says.
Regina Vinton – Crafting Prosperity from Bamboo
In Wartiken Town, River Gee County, Regina Vinton’s enterprise weaves rattan and bamboo furniture using sustainable harvesting methods. With support from the UNDP Growth Accelerator Grant, she plans to scale production, diversify products, and create jobs to reduce poverty.
Winifred Gbayee – Snail Farming for Nutrition and Income
In Tojallah Town, Grand Gedeh, Winifred Gbayee’s Enterprise promotes sustainable snail farming—a low-impact, high-nutrition alternative.
Her goal is to expand production, raise awareness, and enhance food security, while creating local employment opportunities.