Monrovia – The Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL) at its 39th Anniversary retires its Broad Chair Mr. Alexander L. Peal and Prof. John T. Woods as member of broad. The two happened to be the founding fathers of SCNL.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972)-[email protected]
The Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL) is Liberia’s oldest conservation organization. The group, a not-for-profit and non-governmental organization promotes the conservation and wise use of Liberia’s natural resources to ensure a healthy environment and good quality life for all people in Liberia.
Mr. Peal retirement gives way for a new Board Chair Mr. Moses Massah. Addressing the esteemed gathering at the Monrovia City Hall, after receiving a prestigious honor for his nearly four decades of service, outgoing Broad Chair Mr. Peal recorded the beginning of the SCNL and how it survived the many challenges throughout the 39th years.
“We had the vision to establish the SCNL, the country’s first national conservation organization alongside government, civil society, community and the private sector to protect Liberia’s rich biodiversity.” Mr. Peal said.
He added: “Through many difficulties SCNL has endured time and today I am to witness how far we have come. As I reflect on the journey, I’m reminded of the challenges we faced during our civil crisis that lasted about 14 years.”
During the civil war, Mr. Peal was forced to leave Liberia and seek refuge in America but even then, his dedication to conservation never wearies, he told the gathering.
“With like-minded folks, we were able to establish a branch of SCNL, USA. Through our collective efforts we were able to secure funding that helped covered staff of the FDA to ensure that the Sarpo National Park, Liberia’s first national park, remains protected even during those difficult years,” Mr. Peal said.
Prof. Woods was not in present, but a note was read on his behalf. The statement said: “I have had the privilege of serving in various capacities throughout my career, including two tenures as Managing Director of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), as Chairman of the Forestry Department at the University of Liberia, and now as a proud member of the Board of Directors of SCNL.”
Prof. Woods added: “These experiences have allowed me to witness firsthand the evolution of conservation efforts in Liberia, and I am proud to see that SCNL’s contributions are bearing fruit.”
Mr. Michael F. Garbo is the Executive Director for the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia. He joined the SCNL as a volunteer with SCNL in 2007.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Garbo said the celebration of its 39th anniversary which is a milestone is not just as a testament to the longevity of the SCNL, but to the collective dedication and unwavering commitment of all those who have labored tirelessly to fulfill the mission of conserving Liberia’s rich biodiversity and forest heritage.
SCNL Executive Director praised both Mr. Peal and Prof. Wood for their valuable services they had rendered to the SCNL for almost four decades.
Mr. Garbo asserted: “As we gather here tonight, I would like to begin by recognizing and celebrating the visionary leadership of a man whose efforts laid the foundation upon which we stand today, Mr. Alexander L. Peal, the founding father of SCNL. Mr. Peal, your unwavering dedication and pioneering work in conservation have been instrumental in shaping SCNL into the organization it is today. We owe you a debt of gratitude for your foresight and passion for Liberia’s natural environment.”
he added: “I would also like to take this moment to recognize and express my deepest appreciation to Prof John T. Wood, the founding father of SCNL. Prof. Wood who played a pivotal role in mentoring me into forestry and conservation leadership.
Prof. Woods, your guidance and mentorship have been invaluable, and I salute you for the wisdom and knowledge you have imparted over the years. Your influence has not only shaped my journey but also that of many others committed to the cause of conservation.”
SCNL To Build Future Home
At the event, SCNL Executive Director disclosed a proposed construction of a conservation complex that will be named after its vision bearer Mr. Peal. The conference room in the conservation complex Mr. Garbo added be named after Prof. Woods.
“One of our biggest projects on hand is building of the SCNL home, it is close to the FDA, and we believe that it will be a conservation hub for national and international organizations to be hosted. With help and in agreement with the SCNL Board, the building will be named in honor of our vison bearer, Alexander Louis Peal as Alexander Louise Peal Conservation Complex and the Conference Hall in that building will be named in honor of Prof. John T. Woods as John T. Woods conference hall,” he said.
SCNL Executive Director also took a solemn moment to honor the memory of a great conservationist, the late Mr. Flomo P. Mulbah, who he says gave him his very first opportunity to serve as a volunteer with SCNL in 2007.
“His belief in me was the steppingstone to my journey in conservation. May we all rise for a moment of silence in his honor and that of all those who have departed SCNL. Mr. Mulbah’s legacy lives on in the work we continue to do,” SCNL Executive Director said.
Mr. Garbo added: “As we celebrate tonight, I want to assure you all of my unwavering commitment to sustaining the vision of our founders and those who have dedicated their lives to this noble mission. SCNL stands firm on the pillars of conservation, and we will continue to build on the foundation laid by those before us. I pledge to work closely with our new Board Chair, Mr. Moses Massah, to take SCNL to greater heights. With the dedication of our incredible staff and the unwavering support of our partners, we will continue to drive impactful conservation initiatives across Liberia.”
SCNL Calls For Tangible Investment in The Conservation Sector
SCNL Executive Director also call on the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including others national and international partners to ensure what he termed as tangible investment in the sector.
“I make this call to you; it is within our power to protect and sustainably manage Liberia’s forests and biodiversity. If we fail in this responsibility, posterity will judge us harshly. The generations before us played their part; now, it is up to us to fulfill our duty to future generations,” Mr. Garbo said.
he added: “However, we must recognize that conservation efforts require more than just commitment; they require tangible investments. I call upon the Liberian government and our development partners to increase investment in forest law enforcement and protection.”
According to him, the current the number of rangers (FDA Securities) assigned to protected areas is far below what is required to effectively safeguard the forests.
“This shortage poses significant risks, as illegal and unsustainable activities such as artisanal and small-scale mining, pit sawing, and poaching continue to threaten our protected areas. Without adequate enforcement, our forests remain vulnerable to degradation and destruction,” he said.
In addition to strengthening enforcement, he wants the government prioritize investments in the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities adding that conservation cannot be successful without the full participation of those who rely on the forest for survival.
“By promoting collaborative forest management and improving forest patrols and monitoring, we can create a system where communities become active stewards of our natural resources,” he said.
SCNL Executive Director furthers praised the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank, Conservation International, Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, Fauna & Flora Liberia, and the European Union for their collaboration, technical expertise, and financial support -something he says has been instrumental in enabling SCNL to carry out its mission effectively.
“A special appreciation goes to BirdLife International and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds for their consistent technical and financial support, which has significantly strengthened our conservation work. Your contribution has been invaluable, and we cherish this strong partnership,” he assured.