By Sulaiman Jalloh
In a significant move in enhance cross border connectivity, Sierra Leone and Liberia on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Bo Waterside launched the GOLA- Resilience, Empowerment, Access, and Peacebuilding (REAP) Initiative designed to strengthen cross-border cooperation between the two countries in the Gola Forest landscape.
In her opening statement, Liberia UN Resident Coordinator Christine Umutoni said the initiative was a great milestone to help both countries enhance union and environmental protection something she notes as ‘welcoming’ to improving strong border relations and cooperation, particularly in the context of historical conflict faced by both countries. She further expressed excitement about how the two countries are turning their resources towards promoting peace rather than conflict, showcasing leadership, and placing them as models for others to follow in the subregion.
Umutoni added that the 2024 meeting between Leaders from the two neighboring countries played a pivotal role.
It could be recalled that sometimes in 2024, Liberia’s president Joseph Nyuma Boakai visited his counterpart and their discussions were centered around stability, economic integration, and environmental conservation.
Reflecting on the significance of the commitment in 2009 which was to establish the GOLA Confederacy Peace Park, Umutoni detailed that the GOLA- REAP project aligns with the national and local development priorities of both nations, integration conservation with peace and sustainable livelihood.
The UN Sierra Leone Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakan lauded both nations for fostering regional peace and development. Wakan further disclosed that the GOLA-REAP project is implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Food Program (WFP) with funding from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund while acknowledging the role played by both countries and urged all stakeholders to engage proactively in the project.
This project is backed by the UN Secretary General’s collaboration as part of a border prevention and sustainable development approach, which aims to address persistent and emerging conflicts that would serve as barrier to social cohesion and community resilience.
Explaining the significance of the GOLA landscape, the coordinator said it encompasses the Bopulu and Gola National Parks, covering about 350.000 hectares and representing one of the largest remaining blocks of upper Guinea forest. “This region is globally recognized as a biodiversity hotspot that serves as a crucial habitat for numerous species” she remarked. Wakan, however encouraged active participation and leadership among attendees from both countries emphasizing the importance of community involvement in promoting stability and protecting their shared natural resources.
Speaking on behalf Liberia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Edwin Mulbah Deputy Minister for Internal Affairs stressed that the partnership would strengthen cross-border collaboration between Liberia and neighbouring countries, focusing on promoting sustainable landscape conservation and mitigating conflicts. By empowering local communities, especially those in border regions. “The initiative underscores the importance of collective efforts in maintaining environmental stability and ensuring sustainable development” Mulbah stated
On his part, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Internal Affairs highlighted his country’s commitment to improving cross-border collaboration, particularly in forest and land management, as part of a broader regional effort to promote environmental sustainability and mitigate conflicts.
Minister expressed excitement about the transformative this initiative will be including the empowerment of local communities and authorities to actively contribute to economic development, enhance biodiversity conservation, and support agricultural practices that reduce environmental degradation, strengthening the resilience of the region against climate change.
Giving an overview of the initiative the project manager of the Society for Conservative of Nature of Liberia Michael Taire said the groundbreaking initiative was done under the leaderships former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone in 2009 to jointly manage the Gola Transborder Landscape.
According to Michael emphasizes the agreement stems from a shared vision for peace, security, and sustainable development in a region long affected by decades of civil conflict. “The Gola Forest has faced significant threats due to civil conflicts, illegal logging, mining, and unsustainable agriculture practices, impacting the integrity and well-being of surrounding communities” he asserted, noting both nations formalized their commitment in 2011 by signing the Gola Transborder Peace Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) supported by the European Union. He added that the agreement established a framework for cooperation focused on sustainable resource management and community engagement.
Since the MOU’s implementation, Taire reported that significant progress has been made in managing the Gola Transboundary Landscape, with both nations designating substantial portions of the area as protected spaces. “This success reflects the commitment of Liberia and Sierra Leone to safeguard the forest’s biodiversity and strengthen their collaborative efforts in conservation, promoting scientific research while recognizing the critical role of local communities in achieving sustainable outcomes,” he concluded.