Some mangrove forests have been cleared to pave way for human dwellings. PHOTO/Franklin Kwenah.
By FRANKLIN N. KWENAH
in Monrovia, Liberia
In Liberia, where the grandeur of dense rainforests often steals the spotlight, the wetlands emerge as unsung heroes in the nation’s environmental tapestry. These wetlands, though overshadowed, are the heartbeat of Liberia’s ecological balance and the lifeblood of countless communities.
Their significance cannot be overstated: they are natural water purifiers, flood buffers, and the cornerstone of local livelihoods. Yet, these critical ecosystems are now under siege, primarily from unchecked urban sprawl and the looming threat of climate change, demanding urgent and enduring conservation efforts.
Liberia’s wetlands, which blanket the landscape with their serene beauty, serve a multitude of vital functions. They filter out pollutants and sediments from rivers and streams, ensuring the purity of the water that flows through the nation.
They also act as nature’s sponge, absorbing excess rainfall and mitigating the impacts of flooding and natural disasters. However, as Liberia grapples with rapid urbanization, these wetlands are facing unprecedented threats.
In the recent past, as human activities through infrastructural development and settlement increased, many wetland areas in Montserrado, Margibi, Grand Bassa, and other counties faced the threat of losing a large portion of their wetland space if not all.
Rapid urban expansion in cities like Monrovia has led to the draining and filling of wetlands for construction. This not only destroys habitats but also increases the risk of flooding. Agricultural encroachment and waste pollution are also increasing degrading these areas.
Climate Change is furthermore affecting wetland as rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns exacerbate the stress on wetland ecosystems. Extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods as observed in most parts of Liberia in June 2024, are becoming more frequent, impacting both the wetlands and the communities that rely on them.
To addressing these environmental challenges, there is a need for conservative afford from government, Non-governmental Organizations and community actors.
Recognizing the urgency, various stakeholders are working towards wetland conservation in Liberia. Government agencies like Environmental Protection Agency, Liberia Land Authority, NGOs like YUGNET, PRESLI, and local communities are implementing several initiatives to provide a sustainable solution.
The Liberian government has enacted laws aimed at protecting wetlands, including the Environmental Protection and Management Law. However, enforcement remains a challenge due to limited resources.
A section wetlands in Liberia have been turned into garbage dumping sites. PHOTO/Franklin Kwenah.
However, The Liberia Environmental Protection Agency – EPA is committed to conserving wetlands in Liberia a development that has seen Liberia became a party to the Ramsar Convention on 2nd November 2003. As a signatory to the Convention, Liberia EPA is committed to protect and sustainably manage wetlands, especially those declared as Ramsar Sites which is of International significance.
The Agency named Marshall in Margibi County, Mesurado in Montserrado County, Gbedin in Nimba County, Lake Piso in Grand Cape Mount County and Kpatawee in Bong County as wetlands of international importance In Liberia.
The EPA, mandated by legislation, is charged with the responsibility to manage and protect the marine and terrestrial environment, as well as facilitate several restoration projects in partnerships with civil society groups and relevant government agencies.
In Liberia, wetlands provide a habitat for diverse species of flora and fauna, many of which are unique to the region. These areas support fish populations, which are crucial for local food security, and serve as breeding grounds for birds and other wildlife.
Moreover, wetlands offer livelihoods for communities through fishing, agriculture, and tourism. In protecting Liberia’s wetlands requires a multifaceted approach and Strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing community engagement, and fostering international partnerships are necessary steps.
Furthermore, integrating wetland conservation into broader land-use planning and development policies will ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.
As the battle to conserve Liberia’s wetlands continues, it is clear that these ecosystems are not just environmental treasures but also vital to the well-being and prosperity of the nation. Through concerted efforts are needed any way possible to safeguard these landscapes for future generations.
Protecting Liberia’s wetlands demands a multifaceted approach. Strengthening legal frameworks, fostering community engagement, and building international partnerships are all critical components.
Integrating wetland conservation into broader land-use planning and development policies will ensure that progress does not come at the cost of environmental sustainability.
As Liberia faces the ongoing challenge of preserving its wetlands, it is clear that these ecosystems are far more than environmental assets—they are essential to the nation’s well-being and prosperity.
The fight to safeguard these landscapes is not merely a matter of conservation but a testament to the commitment to securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
