By FRANKLIN N. KWENAH
newshub@eyewitness.africa
in Monrovia, Liberia
In Liberia, the place the grandeur of dense rainforests typically steals the highlight, the wetlands emerge as unsung heroes within the nation’s environmental tapestry. These wetlands, although overshadowed, are the heartbeat of Liberia’s ecological steadiness and the lifeblood of numerous communities.
Their significance can’t be overstated: they’re pure water purifiers, flood buffers, and the cornerstone of native livelihoods. But, these essential ecosystems are actually below siege, primarily from unchecked city sprawl and the looming menace of local weather change, demanding pressing and enduring conservation efforts.
Liberia’s wetlands, which blanket the panorama with their serene magnificence, serve a mess of important capabilities. They filter out pollution and sediments from rivers and streams, making certain the purity of the water that flows by way of the nation.
In addition they act as nature’s sponge, absorbing extra rainfall and mitigating the impacts of flooding and pure disasters. Nevertheless, as Liberia grapples with speedy urbanization, these wetlands are dealing with unprecedented threats.
Within the latest previous, as human actions by way of infrastructural growth and settlement elevated, many wetland areas in Montserrado, Margibi, Grand Bassa, and different counties confronted the specter of dropping a big portion of their wetland house if not all.
Speedy city enlargement in cities like Monrovia has led to the draining and filling of wetlands for development. This not solely destroys habitats but in addition will increase the danger of flooding. Agricultural encroachment and waste air pollution are additionally growing degrading these areas.
Local weather Change is moreover affecting wetland as rising temperatures and altering rainfall patterns exacerbate the stress on wetland ecosystems. Excessive climate occasions, equivalent to droughts and floods as noticed in most elements of Liberia in June 2024, have gotten extra frequent, impacting each the wetlands and the communities that depend on them.
To addressing these environmental challenges, there’s a want for conservative afford from authorities, Non-governmental Organizations and group actors.
Recognizing the urgency, varied stakeholders are working in the direction of wetland conservation in Liberia. Authorities companies like Environmental Safety Company, Liberia Land Authority, NGOs like YUGNET, PRESLI, and native communities are implementing a number of initiatives to supply a sustainable resolution.
The Liberian authorities has enacted legal guidelines aimed toward defending wetlands, together with the Environmental Safety and Administration Legislation. Nevertheless, enforcement stays a problem as a result of restricted sources.
A piece wetlands in Liberia have been changed into rubbish dumping websites. PHOTO/Franklin Kwenah.
Nevertheless, The Liberia Environmental Safety Company – EPA is dedicated to conserving wetlands in Liberia a growth that has seen Liberia turned a celebration to the Ramsar Conference on 2nd November 2003. As a signatory to the Conference, Liberia EPA is dedicated to guard and sustainably handle wetlands, particularly these declared as Ramsar Websites which is of Worldwide significance.
The Company named Marshall in Margibi County, Mesurado in Montserrado County, Gbedin in Nimba County, Lake Piso in Grand Cape Mount County and Kpatawee in Bong County as wetlands of worldwide significance In Liberia.
The EPA, mandated by laws, is charged with the accountability to handle and defend the marine and terrestrial surroundings, in addition to facilitate a number of restoration tasks in partnerships with civil society teams and related authorities companies.
In Liberia, wetlands present a habitat for various species of natural world, lots of that are distinctive to the area. These areas assist fish populations, that are essential for native meals safety, and function breeding grounds for birds and different wildlife.
Furthermore, wetlands provide livelihoods for communities by way of fishing, agriculture, and tourism. In defending Liberia’s wetlands requires a multifaceted method and Strengthening authorized frameworks, enhancing group engagement, and fostering worldwide partnerships are needed steps.
Moreover, integrating wetland conservation into broader land-use planning and growth insurance policies will be sure that financial progress doesn’t come on the expense of environmental sustainability.
Because the battle to preserve Liberia’s wetlands continues, it’s clear that these ecosystems usually are not simply environmental treasures but in addition very important to the well-being and prosperity of the nation. By concerted efforts are wanted any approach doable to safeguard these landscapes for future generations.
Defending Liberia’s wetlands calls for a multifaceted method. Strengthening authorized frameworks, fostering group engagement, and constructing worldwide partnerships are all essential parts.
Integrating wetland conservation into broader land-use planning and growth insurance policies will be sure that progress doesn’t come at the price of environmental sustainability.
As Liberia faces the continuing problem of preserving its wetlands, it’s clear that these ecosystems are excess of environmental property—they’re important to the nation’s well-being and prosperity.
The combat to safeguard these landscapes isn’t merely a matter of conservation however a testomony to the dedication to securing a sustainable future for generations to return.
The author is an rising environmental journalist centered on conservation points in West Africa.
