The United Nations Offices for Project Services ( UNOPS)/PAPeor has graciously donated much needed livelihood kits to several communities in Nimba located within the proximity of the East Nimba Nature Reserve. The livelihood kits estimated at USD$45, 000 basically included construction materials such as zincs, wheel barrels, steel rods, cements, among others. The communities which benefited from the UNOPS gesture are Zolowee, Zortapa, Bassa Village, Gbapa, Camp 4 and Sehtontuo. Presenting these livelihood kits at the well-attended occasion which took place in Zortpa town on Thursday November 23, 2023, the Coordinator from the UNOPS head office in Zarekore, Magagi Yacouba said UNOPS encouraged the communities to develop desire for forest conservation which he said remains environmentally important as far as life is concerned. He expressed UNOPS preparedness to do more provide the communities will use these materials for the intended purposes. Mr. Yacouba hoped the communities will set a good example for others to emulate. For his part FDA Deputy Managing Director for Operations, Mr. Joseph Tally thanked UNOPS for the donation which he said satisfies FDA’s anticipation most especially at a time when the need to provide livelihoods to the needy communities within the fringes of the protected areas are very much necessary. Mr. Tally urged the communities to use the materials for the intended purpose so as to inspire the donor to do more. He used the occasion to thank the local authorities for their usual willingness to cooperate with FDA as it strives to police the forest. Making remark, the Development Superintendent of Nimba Mr. Raily Myer said, “We are excited, delighted over the donation”. He commended the FDA and the donor for the conservation initiatives being carried out to protect the forest while also challenging the communities to live up to expectations as regards the proper use of the tools received. Earlier, the Chairman of the ENNR-CMC, Mr. Saye Thompson has a historical background of the program. He underscored the importance of ecosystem services and encouraged the communities to get fully involved in the protection of the forest. Meanwhile, the six communities that benefited expressed commitment to implement conservation initiatives as well as livelihood projects such as vegetable gardens, chicken poultries, fish ponds and piggeries. UNOPS/PAPfor provides direct support the three agencies responsible for managing protected areas, establish or update a management plan that serves as a basis for the interventions of these agencies in collaboration of the local population.
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