In a significant effort to address environmental degradation caused by unsustainable mining practices, the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), with support from the European Union-funded LEH GO GREEN project in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), launched a comprehensive training program in southeastern Liberia.
Under the theme “Strengthening Governance, Human Rights, and Environmental Management for the Artisanal & Small-Scale Mining Sector in Liberia,” the initiative convened over 50 participants, including representatives from key government institutions, civil society organizations, local miners, and youth and women leaders.
The program aims to build capacity in environmental monitoring, legal frameworks, and sustainable land reclamation practices.
The two-day training was held in Fish Town from July 31 to August 1, 2025. It was followed by the formation of a Participatory Environmental Monitoring Committee (PEMC) in Joquiken Town, as well as the identification of a site for a month-long restoration project, to be led by 40 local youth under a cash-for-work scheme.
Speaking at the opening of the training, Emmanuel Vaye, Assistant Minister for Planning at the Ministry of Mines, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to sustainable development.
“This training represents a major step in transforming our artisanal mining sector from a driver of environmental harm into a model of responsible resource management. Through strong collaboration and community ownership, we can rehabilitate degraded lands and build safer livelihoods,” he stated.
Training modules developed through the UNDP-funded Environmental Governance Programme, introduced participants to the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Handbook, legal rights, environmental safeguards, and participatory monitoring techniques.
The Participatory Environmental Monitoring Committee (PEMC) established in Joquiken Town is composed of 16 members, including women, youth, and traditional leaders.
The committee will lead environmental monitoring efforts and mobilize community support for the restoration of a previously mined and damaged site.
To enhance their capacity, the LEH GO GREEN project managed by UNDP in partnership with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) provided the committee with training materials, tools, and protective equipment.
This intervention aligns directly with the overarching goals of the LEH GO GREEN project, which seeks to strengthen sustainable forest governance, reduce deforestation, and enhance livelihoods in forest-fringe communities across the Gola and Grebo-Krahn landscapes.
As Liberia advances toward a more environmentally conscious and inclusive development path, this initiative stands as a powerful example of how coordinated efforts among government institutions, development partners, and local communities can effectively confront some of the nation’s most urgent environmental challenges.
meanwhile, As part of efforts to promote sustainable alternatives to forest-based livelihoods, the European Union-funded Leh Go Green project, in collaboration with the Forestry Training Institute (FTI), recently completed a two-day training in cane rat (grasscutter) production at the Grand Gedeh Community College.
The training targeted selected community members from Boundary and Ziah Towns.
A total of six participants, three men and three women, were introduced to core techniques in cane rat rearing, including housing, feeding, disease prevention, and overall management practices.
The initiative aims to equip rural households with a dependable source of protein and income, while reducing pressure on the region’s biodiversity-rich forests.
“This training is part of our strategy to reduce communities’ dependence on bushmeat. By offering alternative protein sources and income-generating activities like cane rat farming, we are protecting our forest ecosystems while creating sustainable livelihoods,” said Leh Go Green Project Officer, Mr. Korkolie E. Dongbo.
The sessions were facilitated by FTI Production Officers, Mr. D. Kingdom Grear and Mr. Jonathan Glee, who emphasized the importance of transitioning away from unsustainable practices such as hunting.
“Cane rat farming is one of the most sustainable small livestock ventures available to rural farmers. It requires minimal investment, adapts well to local conditions, and offers quick returns. Our goal is to ensure participants leave with the practical skills needed to establish and sustain their farms,” said Mr. Grear.
Mr. Glee added, “We covered the full production cycle from pen construction to breeding and disease control. If properly managed, this venture can greatly reduce the reliance on wild meat and offer long-term economic benefits for local families.”
Participants expressed enthusiasm for the training and pledged to apply the knowledge within their communities, supported by continued supervision from the Leh Go Green team. Many voiced optimism about improving household nutrition and moving away from forest hunting.
Managed by UNDP in partnership with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), Leh Go Green continues to deliver impactful, community-driven interventions that promote environmental conservation while advancing economic empowerment.
This training marks a vital step toward enhancing food security, safeguarding forest resources, and fostering sustainable development in Grand Gedeh County.
