By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor
The Managing Director of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), Rudolph J. Merab, has sparked debate over the future of Liberia’s conservation strategy, suggesting that the country’s 11 protected national forest parks may require selective harvesting to ensure ecological balance and economic sustainability.
Merab made the remarks at the launch of the Taï–Grebo–Krahn Complex Biodiversity Protection Project, a transboundary conservation initiative linking Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire. He argued that Liberia’s forests, preserved for decades with international support, have become “overgrown” and could benefit from controlled harvesting to stimulate regeneration, create jobs, and generate revenue.
Liberia’s forest conservation efforts date back to the 1950s, when the government, with technical assistance from Germany, identified and established 11 national parks and reserves. These areas were designed to safeguard biodiversity and protect rare species unique to Liberia’s ecosystem. Over the years, international donors have invested millions of dollars to strengthen Liberia’s conservation institutions and promote sustainable forest management.
Merab noted that Liberia now boasts some of the most intact forest ecosystems in West Africa, hosting species that cannot be found elsewhere in the country. However, he warned that donor fatigue and shifting global priorities could threaten the sustainability of these protected areas. “The world is changing stage and interest,” he said. “Who knows what will happen if donors draw back? How does Liberia maintain and sustain its parks?”
According to Merab, selective harvesting could provide a pragmatic solution. He argued that carefully managed extraction of forest resources would not only rejuvenate overgrown areas but also create employment opportunities for communities living near conservation sites. Such economic benefits, he suggested, could reduce pressures from farming and hunting within protected zones.
“The harvesting will create jobs, bring in additional income and revenue, and help communities thrive,” Merab emphasized, framing the proposal as a balance between conservation and livelihood support.
The event where Merab spoke marked the relaunch of the KIW Project, focused on biodiversity protection within the Liberian side of the Taï–Grebo–Sapo forest complex. Originally conceived in 2015 under a €6 million agreement, the project envisions an ecological corridor linking the Grebo–Krahn National Park (GKNP) and the Sapo National Park (SNP). It also aims to strengthen FDA’s institutional capacity and promote cross-border conservation with Côte d’Ivoire.
Launched in 2017, the project faced setbacks in 2019 due to funding shortfalls. However, renewed efforts have revived its objectives, which include: Construction and rehabilitation of ranger posts, headquarters, park offices, guest houses, and water systems in Ziah Town, Tempo, Freetown, Gloyway, and Youbor, river surveillance: Establishment of a dock post and acquisition of boats, motorbikes, and high-beam lights to monitor the Cavalla River along GKNP, recruitment and training of rangers, livelihood support programs, small-scale infrastructure, and buffer zone activities to involve local residents in conservation, and joint monitoring by Liberian and Ivorian authorities to strengthen law enforcement and biodiversity protection.
The project’s budget stands at €4.7 million, with key outcomes expected by March 2029. These include the deployment of 133 rangers, stabilization or growth of wildlife populations, improved monitoring systems, and enhanced conditions for cross-border management along the Cavalla River.
Merab’s proposal to harvest protected forests introduces a controversial dimension to Liberia’s conservation discourse. While conservationists have long emphasized strict preservation, Merab insists that sustainable use must be part of the equation. He cautioned against overreliance on international donors, stressing that Liberia must find ways to generate domestic revenue from its natural resources.
Critics, however, may argue that harvesting risks undermining decades of conservation gains and could open the door to unsustainable exploitation. The FDA Managing Director countered that any harvesting would be carefully regulated to ensure ecological balance and community benefit.
As Liberia pursues the Taï–Grebo–Krahn Biodiversity Project, the debate over forest harvesting underscores the broader challenge of reconciling environmental protection with economic development. With nearly half of Liberia’s landmass covered by forest, the stakes are high: the country must safeguard its biodiversity while addressing the livelihood needs of its people.
The coming years will test whether Liberia can pioneer a model of conservation that integrates sustainable use, community empowerment, and international cooperation. For Merab, the answer lies in pragmatic adaptation. “Harvesting,” he said, “can be helpful — not harmful — if done responsibly.”
