Bong County residents have launched a campaign to preserve the history, culture, and indigenous knowledge.
They warned that valuable experiences, and traditions could disappear forever if they are not properly documented for future generations.
The call was made during the first Independence Conversation, held at Shankpalah Farm in Electoral District #4 under the newly established Independence Papers Initiative.
The gathering brought together government officials, traditional leaders, journalists, youth representatives, and community members united by a common goal of protecting the national heritage.
Held under the theme: “The Things We Leave Behind,” the event focused on the urgent need to record the historical achievements, cultural values, traditional knowledge, and locally developed innovations before they are permanently lost.
The founder of the Independence Papers Initiative is the chief executive officer of Panta Pride, Quanuquanei Alfred Karmue.
Karmue challenged Liberians to redefine the meaning of independence.
He urged citizens to view nation-building as a daily responsibility rather than limiting patriotism to annual Independence Day celebrations.
Karmue warned of event where the country would lose priceless knowledge, “because many elders, innovators, and community leaders have passed away without documenting their experiences.” He said, every undocumented idea, invention, and lesson represents a missed opportunity for national development, and leaves future generations with little to build upon.
To reverse that trend, Kermue unveiled plans to establish a nationwide network of Founding Stewards tasked with preserving the history, traditions, cultural practices, and practical innovations through documentation, and research.
Karmue called on communities not only construct roads, and public facilities, but also preserve the technical knowledge, planning processes, and lessons behind those achievements.
He added: “Agriculture, manufacturing, food processing, and other sectors should equally document local innovations to strengthen national development.”
Participants welcomed the initiative as a timely intervention to protect the identity, and intellectual heritage.
Bong County Superintendent, Environmental Protection Agency officials, paramount chiefs, elders, and members of the media all expressed support for the project, and pledged to encourage greater public participation.
