Monrovia, Liberia — The Liberia Forest Media Watch (LFMW) held its first board meeting on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, in Monrovia, marking a significant advancement in forest governance and sustainability efforts in the country.
The Liberia Forest Media Watch is a conglomeration of like-minded journalists, independent and investigative reporters covering the natural resources sector, with an emphasis on forest-related issues, ranging from commercial and community forestry to conservation.
The one-day board engagement brought together key stakeholders committed to protecting Liberia’s abundant natural resources.
During the gathering, Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) head of Corporate Communication, Danicius Kaihenneh Sengbeh, a seasoned journalist with over 23 years of experience in journalism and corporate communication, emphasized LFMW’s vital role in empowering reporters.
“Our mission is to equip journalists with skills in investigative reporting, focusing on solutions that protect our forests,” Sengbeh stated.
He highlighted the necessity of cybersecurity and safety for field journalists, stressing that a well-informed media is crucial for uncovering environmental injustices.
Sengbeh raised concerns about the risk of competing interests luring talented journalists away from LFMW.
“We need to create an environment that attracts and retains skilled professionals,” he urged.
The board meeting served as a platform to review progress and strategize for the future of Liberia’s forests. This meeting is the first of its kind since the formation of the Liberia Forest Media Watch (LFMW) with funding from the European Union (EU).
Paul M. Kanneh, LFMW’s team leader, shared updates on the organization’s financial status and project developments.
“We are committed to transparency and accountability,” Kanneh declared.
“This two-year initiative aims to ensure equitable sharing of forest benefits among all stakeholders and the local communities,” he asserted.
Dayougar Johnson, another board member, stressed LFMW’s role in monitoring forest activities in Liberia.
He discussed the organization’s efforts to report human rights violations and illegal logging, particularly concerning Liberia’s Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the European Union.
“Our objective is to ensure that timber from our forests meets legal standards, making it eligible for the European market,” Johnson explained.
Despite the enthusiasm, challenges persist. Board members acknowledged issues related to institutional capacity and the necessity for effective training programs for journalists covering environmental issues.
As LFMW embarks on this ambitious journey, it serves as a beacon for sustainable forest management and responsible reporting.
The organization aims to combat corruption and illegal activities in the forestry sector while advocating for policies that benefit both the environment and local communities.
In an increasingly sustainability-focused world, LFMW’s efforts are crucial. By empowering journalists and promoting transparency, the Liberia Forest Media Watch is not only protecting Liberia’s forests but also contributing to a global movement for environmental justice.
