Communities at the Heart of Peace and Conservation Efforts Along the Liberia–Sierra Leone Border

In the forest-edge communities of Porkpa and Tewor Districts, a renewed sense of dialogue and cooperation is taking root as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), alongside sister UN agencies and partners, concludes the first phase of a cross-border peace and community engagement initiative to safeguard the Gola Rainforest National Park.

For four days, traditional leaders, women, youth, and local authorities from ten border communities gathered in Mano River Congo, united by a shared concern: how to protect one of West Africa’s most critical biodiversity landscapes while preserving livelihoods and strengthening peaceful coexistence.

The initiative, supported by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund and implemented collaboratively by IOM and the World Food Programme (WFP), reflects a broader One UN commitment to addressing the interconnected challenges of environmental sustainability, community resilience, and cross-border stability.

Balancing livelihoods and conservation

For residents who depend on the land for survival, the forest is both a source of life and growing uncertainty.

Paramount Chief Jamiatu Watson of Porkpa District voiced a concern echoed across the gathering: the need for clarity. Without clearly marked boundaries, many farmers remain unsure where cultivation is permitted.

“We want our people to understand where they can safely farm,” she explained, emphasizing that uncertainty has already led some families to halt agricultural activities altogether.

Her concerns were reinforced by local leaders, including the General Town Chief of Sokpo Clan, who described how fear of encroaching on protected land has disrupted farming patterns and livelihoods.

Through facilitated dialogue sessions, community members and local authorities worked together to identify practical solutions—highlighting the importance of inclusive decision-making in managing natural resources.

Strengthening trust and local systems

Beyond environmental concerns, participants addressed the everyday realities of border life, where limited security presence and porous boundaries can heighten tensions.

Youth representatives spoke candidly about the challenges. In some areas, they noted, cross-border movement has enabled criminal activity, placing additional strain on already limited local security systems.

In response, communities called for strengthened support to border authorities, including basic resources such as transportation, lighting, and equipment—tools they see as essential to maintaining safety and trust.

These discussions formed part of a broader framework focused on building trust, enhancing accountability, and promoting community-led approaches to conflict resolution and policing.

A shared vision for peace and sustainability

The engagement is part of a larger cross-border effort that began earlier this month in neighboring Gbapolu County and will continue in additional communities, including upcoming sessions in Tianii Town.

Across all locations, a consistent message has emerged: sustainable peace and environmental protection are deeply interconnected—and must be shaped by the voices of those who live closest to the land.

By bringing together communities, local leadership, and national stakeholders from both Liberia and Sierra Leone, the initiative is helping to lay the foundation for long-term cooperation across borders.

It also underscores the strength of coordinated UN action. Through joint efforts, agencies are not only supporting conservation of the Gola Forest landscape but also investing in the social cohesion and resilience of the communities that depend on it.

As discussions continue, the emphasis remains clear: protecting the forest is not only about preserving biodiversity—it is about securing livelihoods, strengthening trust, and building a shared future grounded in peace.