Mangrove conservation through poverty alleviation; the Lake Piso Nature Reserve

Liberia is endowed with vast biological diversity consisting of different vegetation types, about 2000 flowering plant species, and a wide range of wildlife species. Mangrove is one of the unique vegetation types found along the entire 359-mile coastal belt of the country. Information on mangrove in the country is scanty. Some proposals are being made for assessment of the wetlands, of which mangrove stands are an important component, in order to gather the information necessary for planning a conservation strategy for this ecosystem. However, time is running out since funding of such an expensive project may take a protracted period of time. Meanwhile, the Lake Piso wetlands region is one of the six proposed sites environmentalists in the country are lobbying for obtaining a legal status as protected area. This region coverts about 30,000 hectares, at least 20% of the area is mangrove forest. This vegetation type is currently being destroyed at an unprecedented rate by local inhabitants through farming (shifting cultivation) and harvesting of wood for firewood and charcoal production, activities from which they generate income to support their livelihoods. This project is developed within the concept of alternative income generation initiatives as a strategy for natural resource conservation. The overall objective of the project is to conserve the mangrove of the proposed Lake Piso Nature Reserve through beekeeping as an innovative strategy, which will significantly contribute to the improvement of the livelihood of the local dwellers while at the same time ensuring the conservation of their mangrove. The specific objectives are: * To train 20 members of the local communities of the Lake Piso region in beekeeping/apiculture and mangrove conservation to enable them to efficiently and effectively manage their mangrove stands by June 2003; * To put at least 300 acres of mangrove stands under active and sustainable conservation program by June 2003; * To significantly contribute to the improvement of the living standard of at least 60 households of the Lake Piso communities by June 2003.

Forty local community members received training in beekeeping and nursery development/management. More than 300 local inhabitants of the Lake Piso community are familiar with the concept of and needs for mangrove conservation and tree farming. Over 4300 Acacia seedlings were produced from a central nursery established in Tallah. These seedlings were supplied to 5 towns. Five woodlots (8.5 acres) were planted with the Acacia at five different sites. 14 honey production sites were established in the Lake Piso area. Beehives at 9 of these are making progress. 215 beehives were produced, 185 installed to date. Project raised awareness of Lake Piso ecosystem importance, specifically Mangrove awareness raised in 14 communities adjacent to mangrove forests. At least 15% of Mangrove forest should be under some for of conservation hereafter. Piso Conservation Forum (PCF) established on July 11 2004, to carry out regular awareness campaigns on importance of Lake Piso natural resource conservation. Main goal of improving conservation of mangrove in Lake Piso communities has been achieved.