The Liberia Forest Media Watch (LFMW) has adopted a new operational manual aimed at enhancing fiscal transparency, promoting gender equality, and strengthening employee development.
The board approved the manual during a meeting held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in Paynesville City, outside Monrovia. The manual outlines key policies to guide the organization’s internal operations and external engagements.
LFMW Team-Lead Paul Kanneh explained that the manual was developed as part of the European Union’s initiative to support local civil society organizations and media in implementing the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) for sustainable forest management. Kanneh emphasized that the manual reflects a broader commitment to improving natural resource governance and strengthening civil society’s role in ensuring transparency.
The European Union, through the French Development Agency (FDA), funded the meeting and the validation process leading to the manual’s adoption. The policy framework addresses core areas including employee termination procedures, conflict resolution, procurement policies, and measures to prevent gender-based violence and harassment.
A major emphasis of the manual is on gender inclusivity. The LFMW Board has committed to encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, fostering diversity in recruitment, and ensuring fair and unbiased evaluation processes. Additionally, the manual outlines mechanisms for regular internal communication and feedback to promote a culture of openness and respect.
Board member Abraham Billy welcomed the adoption of the manual, describing it as a significant achievement. He commended the LFMW for creating a comprehensive document that not only regulates internal processes but also guides the organization’s interactions with key institutions involved in natural resource management. These institutions include the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Liberia Land Authority.
Billy highlighted the manual’s role in defining staff responsibilities across administrative, operational, and professional levels. He praised the LFMW’s commitment to institutional transparency and accountability in its reporting on natural resource governance.
The new operational manual is expected to serve as a cornerstone for LFMW’s efforts to oversee Liberia’s natural resources and support the country’s broader development objectives through independent media reporting.
