Sustainable Livelihoods for Women in Liberia

Dear Friends, 

I am happy to share the latest updates from the Liberian Youth Biodiversity Network. Over the past five months, LYBN has successfully engaged more than 100 local community members in several conservation initiatives. They held workshops and radio discussions on conservation science and leadership where they discussed the importance of wildlife protection, how to sustainably manage resources, and the impacts of wildlife trade on the ecosystem’s health. In the discussions, they invited local women to become environmental leaders in their communities. Women are often managers of natural resources, such as water and wood fuel, within the household. This means that they have the potential to influence how natural resources are used and places them in the role of environmental influencers. 

They also held an intergenerational storytelling event as a way to share stories and knowledge about our relationship with nature between young people and their elders. Attendees reflected on the importance of nature and its interconnectedness with human life, building deeper connections with one another and acknowledging the web of entangled life that we live in. 

To help the community build capacity for sustainable livelihoods, LYBN held several 5-day workshops for 22 women and girls on skills such as beekeeping, sustainable farming, soap and shea butter production, and agro-commodity preservation. By providing the community with livelihood opportunities that promote sustainable practices, LYBN hopes to reduce reliance on activities that are harmful to the environment. They provided starter kits to help women establish their businesses, and they plan to provide ongoing mentorship and connection to markets to ensure that the businesses are successful.

LYBN is nurturing a new generation of conservation leaders. They established two conservation clubs for students at two local schools and recruited 50 students in total to become conservation ambassadors. The students will participate in community awareness activities, peer education, and will promote biodiversity protection within their communities. 

Finally, LYBN held a community tree planting event. Community members gathered to plant 50 trees to restore habitat around Bonla town that had been degraded. 

Thank you to the Liberian Youth Biodiversity Network for their work protecting endangered species, strengthening their community, and spreading the message of conservation. We are proud to be partners with such a dedicated team of young people who are creating meaningful change. And thank YOU, our fantastic supporters, for making our work possible. 

With gratitude,

The Women for Conservation Team

Links:

• USGS Survey of Deforestation in Upper Guinean Forest