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Chimpanzee with young © Fauna & Flora

Chimpanzee with young © Fauna & Flora

Forest protection in Sapo National Park, Liberia

Project
Project lead: Dr Mary Molokwu-Odozi

To ensure Sapo National Park and its wildlife are protected, we are working with communities and the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) of Liberia to manage the park by improving law enforcement, reducing threats to biodiversity and promoting local livelihoods. 

Our work in Sapo National Park

Fauna & Flora is engaging with local communities to raise awareness about biodiversity conservation while enhancing their capacity to support the management of the park. Additionally, we are working alongside the FDA to improve the park’s law enforcement regulations. This is being done by introducing the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) to ensure more systematic patrols and by building the skills and capacity of rangers through training and ongoing mentoring. 

Project goals

Sapo National Park is Liberia’s largest protected area and one of the most biologically rich and endangered terrestrial ecosystems in the world. Fauna & Flora aims to ensure that the implementation of the Sapo National Park management plan provides a systematic and realistic approach to tackling threats to biodiversity – one that enables communities to participate and supports local stakeholders to take charge of their natural resources. 

Project partners

This project is delivered in partnership with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), Partners in Development, Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue & Protection, IDH, EcoHealth Alliance, SOLIMAR, Wild Chimpanzee Foundation and Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia 

Project timeline

    © Jeremy Holden / Fauna & Flora

    © Jeremy Holden / Fauna & Flora

    2023

    Sapo National Park free of all illegal mining activities.

    2023

    Traditional leaders lead peaceful removal of illegal gold miners from Sapo National Park. 

    © Jeremy Holden / Fauna & Flora

    2022

    Community-based approach for sustainable forest management in Sapo landscape begins.

    2021

    New management plan validated and adopted for Sapo National Park.

    Zebra duiker © Fauna & Flora

    Zebra duiker © Fauna & Flora

    2019

    SMART patrols adopted in Sapo National Park and first systematic park-wide camera-trapping survey commissioned.

    2019

    All-female eco-champions group formed to support awareness-raising in communities fringing Sapo National Park.

    Male African forest elephant. © Ruben Bañuelos Bons / Fauna & Flora

    Male African forest elephant. © Ruben Bañuelos Bons / Fauna & Flora

    2013

    Sapo Conservation Centre opens in Sapo National Park. 

    2003 - 2010

    New species recorded in Sapo National Park, including first Liberian mongoose record and new plant speciesCercestis hepperi jongkind.

    © Josh Kempinski / Fauna & Flora

    © Josh Kempinski / Fauna & Flora

    1997

    Fauna & Flora begins work in Liberia.

A selection of animal footage caught on camera traps, including the illusive pygmy hippo

Donors

We are grateful for financial support from The Species Fund, United States Agency for International Development through the West Africa Biodiversity and Low Emission Development, Conservation Works, the West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change programme, Arcus Foundation, Liberia Forest Sector Project, Elephant Crisis Fund, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and Pygmy Hippo Foundation. 

Chimpanzee © Gerdie / Adobe Stock

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Chimpanzee © Gerdie / Adobe Stock

Dr Mary Molokwu-Odozi profile picture

Dr Mary Molokwu-Odozi

Country Director, Liberia

Dr. Mary Molokwu-Odozi joined Fauna & Flora Liberia in 2012 as Technical Advisor, Education and Research. She is currently the Country Director for Liberia, providing strategic direction and oversight in-country.