Monrovia – As part of efforts to achieve the development of Liberia’s 30×30 National Plan aligned with the Kunming-Montreat Global Biodiversity framework (GBF), a one-day technical workshop among stakeholders of the sector was at the Royal Grand Hotel in Sinkor, Monrovia.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972)[email protected]
The Kunming-Montreat Global Biodiversity Framework represents a global commitment that calls for the protection of at least 30 percent of Liberia’s land and marine areas by the year 2030.
The government of Liberia through the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is leading the development of the 30×30 national plan. The Rainforest Trust has contracted the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL) to support planning and logistics. Through a comparative bidding process, the consultants have been hired to lead the development of the national plan.
The primary objective of the consultancy is to develop a robust and actionable 30×30 national plan that aligns with Liberia’s national target under the Global Biodiversity Framework. The plan will outline strategies, actions and timelines for achieving the 30 percent of Liberia’s marine areas.
The objective of the technical workshop is to inform stakeholders about the development about the national plan and to solicit their inputs on the plan strategies, objectives and the implementation framework
Addressing the gathering, the Program Manager for the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia Michael Taire said Liberia stands at the critical junction for not only itself but the entire globe.
According to Mr. Tiare, the 2030 target is not just a goal, rather, it is necessary for the sustainability of Liberia’s ecosystem, the economy and the communities.
Program Manager for the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia stressed that Liberia is blessed with the rich biodiversity which is necessary to the country’s cultural heritage and economic development.
“Our forest, wetland, and coast are home to countless spices and provide essential services for our people. However, these pressure resources are under threat from various factors including deforestation, climate change and unsustainable land use practices. The 30×30 program presents an opportunity for us to safeguard our national heritage while promoting sustainable development,” Mr. Tairr said.
He added: “Liberia has recently completed and submitted her national target and with the global biodiversity framework. In line with these targets Liberia is committed to her national plan to protest 30 percent of its marine area by 2030. The task ahead of us is not about meeting international commitments. It is about creating a sustainable future for our children and the next generation.
Rainforest Trust is sponsoring the Technical Workshop. Speaking via online from the United States of America, James Lewis of the Rainforest Trust admonished the participants at the technical workshop to work hard far beyond 2030 adding that it is a critical time for the world.
“People need nature. And just as nature is important, nature also needs people. What will happen today, the plan that you all will develop in the next 24 hours will help to guard private biliterate agencies and so on. It is very, very important,” Mr. Lewis said.
Emmanuel Vaye is the Assistant Minister of Mine and Energy. He stressed that the country needs to do everything possible to meet international standards when it comes to conservation.
“The issue of conservation is important. It will help to curtail future embarrassment for our country and the world at large. And we at the Mine and Energy have already started,” Vaye said.
Also, for the EPA, the head for the Department of Multilateral Environmental Agreements Arthur R.M. Becker said: “We stand at the critical junction in our commitment to biodiversity, conservation, and substantial development. The 30×30 initiative will protect 30 percent of our planet by 2030. It is a goal that resonates deeply with Liberia’s rich heritage and its aspiration for sustainable growth.”