Monrovia — Officials from Liberia and Sierra Leone have officially launch the Gola Resilience, Empowerment, Access, and Peacebuilding (REAP) project.
By Edwin G. Genoway, [email protected]
Gathered at Bo-Waterside, the Liberian side of their shared border, to This initiative aims to strengthen cross-border collaboration, promote social cohesion, and build resilience in the Gola rainforest region, an area that spans over 350,000 hectares and is rich in biodiversity.
The event was marked by the presence of key figures, including Liberia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Francis Sakila Nyumalin, Sierra Leone’s Internal Affairs Minister, Morie Lengor, and the UN Resident Coordinators for both countries, Seraphine Wakana and Christine N. Umutoni.
The project is supported by US$4 million in catalytic funding from the UN Peacebuilding Fund, and is designed to foster cooperation between governments, local communities, and key stakeholders from both nations.
At the launch, Deputy Minister for Research and Development Planning, Edward Mulbah, spoke on behalf of Liberia’s Minister of Internal Affairs. He emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the two nations, given their shared history, economic connections, and cultural bonds.
Mulbah noted that the Gola REAP project is pivotal in addressing environmental challenges, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and improving border management between Liberia and Sierra Leone.
“The project aims to empower local communities and authorities, improve border management, and address issues such as weak law enforcement, limited economic opportunities, and environmental threats,” Mulbah explained.
The initiative is aligned with national development plans and emphasizes the active involvement of local communities, especially youth and women, in peacebuilding and conservation efforts.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengor, also highlighted the significance of the Gola REAP project. He stressed that the collaboration between the two countries is vital in addressing illegal activities, such as poaching, that threaten the region’s environment.
Lengor also advocated for a joint memorandum of understanding between Liberia and Sierra Leone to manage the Gola Rainforest National Parks, a key part of the initiative.
The project is jointly led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Food Programme (WFP), with contributions from local authorities, civil society organizations, and regional institutions like the Mano River Union (MRU).
The project will promote climate-smart agriculture to reduce conflicts and enhance economic resilience in both countries.
The Gola REAP initiative comes at a crucial time, as both Liberia and Sierra Leone face significant challenges linked to climate change, displacement, and fragile state conditions.
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