UNDP, EPA Hand Over Solar-Powered Eco-Guesthouse To Grand Cape Mount County

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In a significant step toward community empowerment and sustainable tourism, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), officially handed over a newly constructed eco-guesthouse with solar power installation to the authorities of Grand Cape Mount County and the Mutamu Women Group of Sembehun on December 24, 2024. The landmark project, valued at over $100,000, is designed to benefit more than 1,035 residents living near Lake Piso.  It aims to boost economic development, create jobs, and enhance household incomes while promoting eco-tourism and environmental conservation in the region. Speaking at the ceremony, Paramount Chief of Tombey District, Haji A. Sombai, lauded the initiative as “a legacy for the Sembehun Community.”  He emphasized the eco-guesthouse’s potential to transform local livelihoods and appealed for similar projects in neighboring communities. “This guesthouse will create jobs for our people and improve household incomes,” Chief Sombai stated, expressing gratitude to the Liberian government and UNDP for their commitment to empowering rural communities. The eco-guesthouse project was conceived following a feasibility study and consultations with residents to identify sustainable income-generating opportunities for communities around Lake Piso. Residents opted for an eco-guesthouse, recognizing its potential to boost the local economy while preserving the lake’s protected areas. The Mutamu Women Group demonstrated their commitment by providing land for the project. The guesthouse’s architectural design was developed in collaboration with community leaders, who also agreed to demolish an unfinished structure on the site to facilitate the project. UNDP Resident Representative, Aliou Dia, praised the Sembehun community for their active involvement in the initiative and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to empowering women and youth. He emphasized the project’s environmentally friendly and energy-efficient features, which align with UNDP’s mission to support sustainable development. EPA Chief Technical Advisor, Benjamin S. Karmorh Jr., reiterated the government’s dedication to collaborating with partners and communities.  He urged residents to safeguard the protected areas along Lake Piso and cautioned against the use of harmful chemicals that could endanger aquatic life. The eco-guesthouse project also underscores the importance of women’s leadership in economic development.  By supporting women-led initiatives, the project empowers women to take on critical economic roles, fostering confidence and showcasing their capabilities. Tourists visiting the eco-guesthouse will have access to various attractions, including tours of mangrove areas and nearby beaches via kehkeh and boats, offering unique eco-tourism experiences. This Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative highlights the power of collaboration between development partners, government agencies, local communities, and women-led organizations.  It serves as a model for balancing economic growth with environmental conservation. “This project is a testament to what can be achieved when communities take ownership of their development, and partners work together to support inclusive and sustainable growth,” UNDP noted. As the eco-guesthouse opens its doors, it stands as a beacon of hope for sustainable development in Sembehun, promising to transform lives and protect the environment for generations to come.

By:  Amos Harris 

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