The House of Representatives has called for a thorough investigation into the proposed enlargement of Sapo National Park’s buffer zone. This decision follows concerns Representative Thomas Romeo Quioh of Sinoe County raised during a March 4, 2025 session. Representative Quioh expressed apprehension over how the expansion could adversely affect local communities near the park.
During the 13th Day Sitting of the 1st Quarter of the 2nd Session, Representative Quioh highlighted the need for accountability in the project, urging that the Minister of Justice, the head of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), and officials from Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and Conservation International (CI) present detailed explanations of the proposed changes. Quioh specifically pointed to the potential hardship the expansion could cause to the Sapo people, whose ancestral lands form a significant portion of the park.
Sapo National Park, established on May 3, 1983, is the largest protected area in Liberia, covering 1,804 square kilometers in Sinoe County. The park, located primarily on Sapo people’s land, is part of the Upper Guinean forest ecosystem, which is home to numerous endangered species. Despite the park’s environmental importance, Quioh raised concerns that local communities continue to live in poverty while international organizations benefit from the funds allocated for conservation efforts.
The representative also criticized the government’s alleged actions forcing the local population to vacate their ancestral land without providing adequate compensation or benefits. He stressed that, while international donors fund conservation programs, the surrounding communities often see little to no improvement in their living conditions.
In response to these concerns, the House has tasked several committees to investigate the expansion plan.
