W I LD LI F E B I O DI V ER SI TY L OSS AN D I TS M ANA GEM EN T I N LI B ERI A

PRESENTER: FALLAH NYUMAH

ID#: PAU-UI-0309
OUTLINE:
 INTRODUCTION : BACKGROUND OF LIBERIA
 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

 JUSTIFICATION
 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
 OVERVIEW OF BIODIVERSITY
 BIODIVERSITY IN LIBERIA

 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONs
 REFERENCES
BACKGROUND OF LIBERIA
 Liberia is a ‘garden of Eden’ in West Africa
 It has the largest fraction of the tropical rainforest in the region and
is traversed by several rivers
 Location: southwest corner of the West Coast of Africa
 longitude 7º30' and 11º30' west and latitude 4º18’ and 8º30' north
 Surface Area: 111,370 km2 (about 43,506 square miles).
 Bounded on the west by Sierra Leone, on the north by Guinea, on the
east by Côte d’Ivoire and on the south by the Atlantic Ocean
 There are four topographical regions
 Climate: ranges from 27℃ to 32℃ during the day and from21℃ to
24℃ at night
 Two seasons: DRY (Nov-April) and WET (May-October)
MAP OF LIBERIA
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
 Liberia has a diverse plant and animal life with high species endemism
 But these diversities are under serious threat due to: ignorance, insufficient
public education and awareness, shifting agriculture, unregulated logging,
and unplanned human settlements, charcoal production, population
pressure and Bush Meat Trade
 Poverty and lack of Alternative animal protein
JUSTIFICATION 
 Bush meat trade and exportation of wild animals was banned from Liberia by
Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
 Illegal Cross-Border Trade involving Wide Animals and Bush Meat products has
become increasingly alarming.
 The United Nations Security Council imposed sanctions on Liberia‘s timber
exports in 2003
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
 To examine the extent of biodiversity loss, impacts and
mitigation measures in Liberia.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The following questions will be used to achieve the research objectives:

 What is biodiversity?

 What is the Current Status and Threats of Biodiversity in Liberia?

 To what extent is biodiversity loss in Liberia?

 What are the causes and implications of biodiversity loss in Liberia

 Why Should Biodiversity be conserved?

 What mitigations measures have been put in place to reduce biodiversity loss?
OVERVIEW OF BIODIVERSITY

What is Biodiversity?

Bio
Bio =
=
Life

The variety of
life on Earth and
the essential
interdependence
of all living
things

Diversity
=
= Variety
Variety
LEVELS OF BIODIVERSITY….
Species
Represents species richness &
abundance in a community
No. of plants, animals, birds in an
area.

Genetic
Genes within same species show
variation
E.g. Colour & sizes of Birds

Ecosystem
Diversity in complex systems in
physical, ecological, food web,
nutrient cycling
Diversity in forest
Lakes, Ponds, and Rivers
THE VALUES OF BIODIVERSITY
Direct Use Indirect Use Value Non-Use Values
Value(Goods) (Services)
Food, medicine, Atmospheric and Potential (or Option) Future value either as
building material, climate regulation, Value a good or service
fiber, fuel pollination, nutrient
recycling
•Paper Products Cultural, Spiritual and Existence Value Value of knowing
•Fiber (clothing, Aesthetic something exists
textiles)
•Industrial products Tourism and
(waxes, rubber, oils) recreation

Bequest Value Value of knowing that

•Inspiration and
something will be
information there for future
generations
•Scientific and
educational
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
 Considering the rich diversity and the threats, conservation of
biodiversity is very important.
 There are 2 major approaches: In-situ conservation (at the
place) Ex-situ conservation (out of the place)

SOURCE:
BIODIVERSITY IN LIBERIA
 There are two components of biodiversity
 The terrestrial biodiversity: forest ecosystem, and
the mountain ecosystem.
 The aquatic biodiversity: Wetland and mangroves,
freshwater, and coastal and marine ecosystems
 Liberia contained 42% of the Upper Guinea Forest of
West Africa
 Liberia is very rich in biodiversity both in terms of
ecosystems and species
BIODIVERSITY IN LIBERIA:
STATUS
 Liberia has a diverse plant and animal life with high
species endemism.
 There are approximately 600 bird species, 125
mammal species, 74 reptile species and 1000 insect
species.
 over 2,900 different vascular plants (including 225 tree
species)
 In addition, Liberia accounts for the largest remaining
remnant (42 percent) of the Upper Guinea forest of
West Africa
BIODIVERSITY IN LIBERIA: STATUS
 These species diversity are under threat due to many
factors such as:
 Ignorance, Lack of public education and awareness,
shifting cultivation,
 Unregulated logging, unplanned human settlements,
 Fuelwood gathering, Charcoal production, population
pressure
3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:DATA COLLECTION

 The data for this study was obtained from secondary sources.
 To review and analyze the current circumstances of biodiversity
loss and management in Liberia, relevant data from literature and
government and non-governmental agencies were used to
achieve the research objective.
 Based on the causes identified, a DPSIR analytical framework
was adapted from the work of Goll II, N. B et al, 2004 to
examine the causes, and impacts of biodiversity loss in Liberia.
DATA ANALYSIS: DPSIR Analytical Framework

 DPSIR is a causal framework and environmental tool for analyzing and

solving environmental problems.
 It is used to identify and evaluate the complex and multidimensional
cause-and-effect relationships between society and the environment.
 Hence, the framework has been applied to several reports and a lot of
environmental problems including forest management, climate change,
biodiversity, sustainable development etc
 In fact, it was also used in the United Nations’ Global Environment
Outlook assessments: a report which discussed the world’s environment
DATA ANALYSIS: DPSIR Analytical Framework

 The DPSIR framework is a modification of the Pressure-State-

Response (PSR) model.
 The PSR model was initially developed by the Organization for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to structure its
work on environmental policies and reporting.
 Later, the European Environment Agency (EEA) proposed and
widely adopted the use of the DPSIR framework, which
distinguished Driving forces, Pressures, States, Impacts and
Responses
HOW DOES THE DPSIR ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK WORK?

 According to this framework, social and economic developments

exert Pressure on the environment and, as a consequence, the State of
the environment changes, such as resources availability and
biodiversity.
 This leads to Impacts on human health and ecosystems etc.
 The negative impacts eventually lead to responses by society, such as
the formulation and execution of policies, strategies, laws and
international treaties for the protection and management of the
environment.
4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

 Application of the DPSIR analytical framework: Biodiversity is very

significant and it is contributing immensely to the economic and
livelihood of the people.
 Biodiversity provides many benefits - economic, environmental and
social.
 Despite its importance, Biodiversity loss in Liberia is alarming and is as
the result of many factors.
 These factors are discussed and analyzed below using the DPSIR
framework:
4.0 Drivers of Biodiversity Loss
 Civil War
 The civil war which lasted for over 14 years from
1989-2003 affected the biodiversity greatly in
Liberia
 During that time there were massive internal
displacements and refugee movements.
 The refugees and displaced people had to build
homes and cultivate farms and engage in hunting to
feed themselves
 Whenever the displaced people settled, they built
shelters using renewable natural resources and
cleared new grounds
 Also, the Government of Liberia could no longer
manage forest areas and resources. As a result, those
rebel groups were involved in illegal logging PLATE 1.0: IMAGES OF REBELS AND
GOVERNMENT SOLDERS IN LIBERIAN
activities. FORESTS
4.0 Drivers of Biodiversity Loss
 Shifting Cultivation
 Shifting cultivation is said to account for about
95% of deforestation
 Farming in Liberia is mainly done on a
subsistence level where farmers move from one
farm land to other
 In 1960-1967 a survey by a German Forestry
Mission reported 75% forest cover for Liberia
 By 1988 it was estimated at 1%, while recent
estimates by the World Resources Institute put
annual deforestation rate at 2% of the land area.
 Only 1.17% of Liberia forests are under
protection.
Plate 2.0: Highland clear for crop
cultivation in Bong County
4.0 Drivers of Biodiversity Loss
Species diversity threatened by Shifting Cultivation

Total

Mollusces

S Reptiles
p
e Total Threatened
c Birds
Total Endemic
i
e Total Species
s Mammals

Plants

Amphibians

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500

Number of Species

Species diversity, endemism and threat by Shifting Cultivation

 4.0 Drivers of Biodiversity Loss
 Charcoal Production
 It is estimated that approximately 99% of the Rate of Charcoal Production
country’s population is now dependent on in Liberia
charcoal and fuel wood for cooking and heating. 300,000
 The production of charcoal in Liberia is
255,624 258,934
increasing. For example, in 1998, a total of 250,000
14,807 kilograms of charcoal was produced; this
rose to 255,624 kilograms in 1999 and totaled 200,000
258,934 kilograms in 2010

Kilogram
Kilograms
 The method of charcoal production in Liberia is 150,000
unsustainable as majority of charcoal producers in
the country are using the earth mount kilns. 100,000

50,000
14,807

0
1998 1999 2010

Year

Figure 5.0: Rate of Charcoal Production in

Liberia (1998, 1999, 2010)
 4.0 Drivers of Biodiversity Loss
 Timber Exploitation
 The threats posed by timber exploitation to biodiversity are Table 5.0: Trends in the removals of
mainly through: wood products from Liberia (1990-2005)
 Unsustainable commercial logging which drives forest
Year Industrial Woodfuel
degradation eventually leading to biodiversity loss
Roundwood Total volume
 the creation of needless road network and human Total volume (1000 m3 over
settlements, (10000m3 over bark)
 Skidding of logs by tractors that destroy the vegetation in bark)
the path; and Cutting under sized timber 1990 609 3843
 As seen in table 1 from 1990 – 2000, the removals of forest
products from Liberia’s forest increased from 609,000 cubic 2000 856 5226
meters to 856,000 cubic meters respectively 2005 370 6678
 whereas the quantity of wood fuel removed increased from
3.8 million cubic meters to 5.2 million cubic meters over
bark respectively.
 However, in 2005, industrial round wood removal reduced
to 370,000 cubic meters over bark while the removal of
wood fuel further increased to 6.6 million cubic meters over
bark.
 United Nations Security Council imposed sanction on
Liberia for timber exportation in 2003.
 On the other hand, the removal of wood fuel increased
continuously because it was mostly used for domestic
consumption.
 4.0 Drivers of Biodiversity Loss
 Bush Meat Trade Plate 6.0: Duiker At A
 Majority of Liberians regard bush meat as a major source Market In Lofa Country
of protein. Overtime, trade in bushmeat has intensified
 Commercialization of bush meat in the absence of wildlife
management strategies and Use of snares results in huge
biodiversity loss
 Some rural people have abandoned farming for hunting
animals which they believed bring “quick money”.
 Moreover, most Liberians are of the notion that animals are
abundant and cannot face extinction
 Liberia's rate of bushmeat consumption may be among the
highest in Africa
 Rough estimates for the cash value of Liberia‘s annual
bush meat harvest are $US 66 million (1991) and $78
million (2002), and it may comprise 4% or more of GNP.
 Regulating the bush meat trade presents greater challenges
than regulating the timber harvest, because of the very
large numbers of people involved and the complex
marketing chain
 4.0 Drivers of Biodiversity Loss
 Invasive Alien species Plate 7.0: Chromolaena
odorata
 There are many floral and faunal species that invaded
Liberia over the last several decades
 Some of the plant species are: the water hyacinth, the Nile
salad, Leucenea leucocephalus and the Chromoleana
odorata
 The major problem with C. odorata is that it provides
shelter and breeding spaces for harmful insects such as the
variegated grasshopper, Zonocerus variegates which moves
from C. odorata variegatus to cassava fields and feeds on
the leaves causing important yield losses
 4.0 Drivers of Biodiversity Loss
 Over-exploitation of Biological
Resources and Poverty
 Over-exploitation of biological resources induced
by socio-economic deprivation has had profound
pressure on natural ecosystems for firewood,
charcoal and medicinal plants, resulting to loss of
biodiversity
 Before the civil war (1989) the use of firewood,
charcoal and medicinal plants was at a minimum in
the urban areas
 Another threat emanating from excessive use of
biological diversity is the neglect or reluctance to
replenish the essential tree resource through
plantation and the promotion of individual and
community woodlots/tree farming
 Population growth and Human
Settlement
 Since independence in 1847, the
population of Liberia has been
growing at an average rate of 3.6%.
 As a result of the need for food,
shelter, infrastructure and income
for the population, these higher
densities have brought pressure to
bear on the land and natural
resources, thus threatening
biodiversity.
 4.0 Drivers of Biodiversity Loss
POLICY FAILURE
 The formulation of forest policies is essential for the management of forest resources
 Policies have encouraged biodiversity loss through agricultural incentives, and infrastructure
development, urban expansion, and timber subsidies.
 Liberia has several environmental policies, laws and regulations to govern the environment.
However, the full implementation of these legal frameworks remains a challenge.
 As a consequence, these policies are constantly been violated by forest contract holders; thus
creating room for biodiversity loss and environmental degradation
 Lack of public participation in the policy formulation has contributed also to less enforcement
and cooperation
 Lack of awareness of the law by the people who are directly affected by the law
 Lack of enforcement mechanism and logistics support and
 Inadequate political will and commitment by government and agencies
4.0 Pressures (P) on Liberia’s Biodiversity
Urbanization Unemployment and Livelihood Activities

 Globalization and urbanization are  The Liberian economy mainly depends on

aggravating competing demands on land. extractive industries and agriculture
activities for provision of jobs and
 In Liberia, urbanization and rural
livelihood for its people.
settlements are being pressured by
 For instance in 2002, the forestry sector of
increasing population
Liberia provided about 10,000 jobs for
 Urbanization is a necessary part of both skilled and unskilled laborers.
development and is a good thing as long  Also, trade in bushmeat provides income
as it is planned, well managed and and employment
controlled.  Consequently, unemployment in Liberia
 On the contrary, in Liberia, it is stands at 85 percent
unplanned, uncoordinated and therefore  As the result this, many people are

resulted to a lot of rural settlements found engaged in different activities, i.e.,

bushmeat trade, charcoal production,
deeply in forested areas.
4.0 Pressures (P) on Liberia’s Biodiversity
Markets Demand Economic Growth
 Market forces are putting pressure on  The country’s economy is reliant on

the forests extractive industries largely agriculture

(rubber), timber and minerals – which
 For example, the root causes of the
include and not limited to gold, diamond,
bush meat crisis are the large national
iron ore.
and probably international demand for  The forestry sector of Liberia has
Liberia‘s bushmeat. contributed immensely to the economy.
 As the price of the forest product or  It continues to provide revenue, raw

species increased on the domestic or materials and employment opportunities

for national government.
international market, more of that
 Forestry and cash crop production
product is required and harvested in the
accounted for 6.7 per cent of GDP during
forest concession
the decade before the crisis in Liberia.
4.0 Pressures (P) on Liberia’s Biodiversity
Economic Growth

Contribution Of The Forestry Sector To GDP

120
Amount in million (US)

100
80
60
40 Forestry

20 Logs and Timber

0
98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05
19 19 20 20 20 20 20 20

YEAR
4.3. STATE(S) AND TRENDS IN
LIBERIA’S BIODIVERSITY LOSS

 Although Liberia is rich in biodiversity and a signatory to United Nations

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) which aims at protecting biodiversity
globally;
 Biodiversity is being loss.
 Meanwhile, the forest area is reducing gradually due to several factors – both direct
and indirect.
4.4. IMPACTS (I) OF BIODIVERSITY LOSS ON
LIBERIA’S ECONOMIC AND PEOPLE

 Drivers and pressures of biodiversity loss in Liberia have impacted the biodiversity and
natural and human environment. They have resulted in the destruction of wildlife habitat.
 Additionally, fauna are exposed to poaching and their population reduced.
 It was estimated that prohibited or fully protected wildlife species account for about 35
percent of bush meat sales and partially protected species account for a further 40-50
percent.
 Therefore, Liberia’s protected species could be loss if the bush meat industry continues
to be poorly-regulated
 Forest dependent communities are highly vulnerable and affected by biodiversity loss
and changes within ecosystem services
 Biodiversity losses have also caused serious health problems especially in rural areas
wherein species of medicinal value are cleared
4.5.MEASURES TO MITIGATE BIODIVERSITY
LOSS
 The Government of Liberia and international partners have responded to the problem of
biodiversity loss in numerous ways
 To address the issue of biodiversity loss, ten (10) national forest reserves and two fully
protected areas have been gazette
 Sapo National Park and East Nimba Nature Reserve are under full protection while there are
several proposed protected areas in Liberia
 Many policies, laws, regulations and strategies to combat environmental degradation have been
drafted and enacted.
 For example the Liberia’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, Bushmeat Policy
and Legislation in 2006, Compensation for Communities Living Around Protected Areas, The
Environment Protection and Management Law (EPML, 2003)
 United Nations Security Council sanction in 2003 on the exportation of wood products from
Liberia.
 The President of Liberia, - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - placed a suspension on forestry concessions
agreement in 2006.
 Figure 4.0 Proposed
Table 1.0 Protected areas of Liberia Protected Areas in Liberia
Name Approximate
Area (sq Km)
1. Sapo National Park 1308
2. Krahn-Bassa National Forest 5140
3. Grebo National Forest 2673
4. Gio National Forest 329
5. Gbi National Forest 610
6. West Nimba National Forest 91
7. East Nimba National Forest 96
8. Wonegizi Nature Reserve (proposed) 261
9. North Lorma National Forest 712
10. Wologizi Nature Reserve (proposed) 202
11. Gola National Forest 2070
12. Kpelle National Forest 1748
13. Lorma National Forest 435
14. Yoma (Yormo) National Forest 26
15. Cape Mount Nature Reserve (proposed) 224
5.0. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

 After a review of many documents and analysis, it is apparent to note that Liberia is
losing lot of its biodiversity due to multiple of factors.
 Bush Meat Trade, Habitat loss through shifting cultivation, urbanization, charcoal
production and population growth are the major treats to biodiversity in Liberia.
 Although the country is faced with financial, human and institutional capacities, there is
need for the government to take appropriate actions to remediate the loss of biodiversity.
 Reforestation programs should be encouraged and charcoal producers should establish
woodlots and alternative energy sources such as biogas production from waste, wind
and solar power should be encouraged to reduce the pressure on forest.
 A comprehensive land use-plan should be in-cooperated in all sectors.
5.0. RECOMMENDATION
 Take appropriate measures to protect critical ecosystems against harmful effects or destructive
practices for conservation of biological diversity.
 Create biodiversity awareness among sectors of the society and promote international
cooperation.
 Commit the people to the sound and sustainable use of biological diversity to bring about
socioeconomic development.
 Promote rational utilization and conservation of biological diversity.
 Involvement of women, youth, the elderly and other vulnerable groups in natural resource
policy formulation, planning, decision-making and program implementation should be
encouraged as an essential tool
 The underlying causes of biodiversity loss, which include poverty, ignorance, population
dynamics, must be addressed in an effort to effectively conserve biological diversity.
  
  
6.0. REFERENCES
 An Act Adopting the National Wildlife Conservation and Protected Area Management Law of Liberia, May 2010
 EPA, Liberia’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, Environmental Protection Agency, Liberia,(2003)
 EPA, (2004). National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of Liberia, 2004. EPA, Monrovia.
 FDA, Chain Saw Milling Regulation # 115-11, Republic of Liberia,(2012)
 FDA, National Forestry Policy and Implementation Strategy, Forestry Development Authority, Monrovia, Liberia, (2006)
 Goll II, Nick B.*, Li Jianhua and McKay Jr and John S. Review Paper: Analysis on the Causes of Deforestation and Forest
Degradation in Liberia: Application of the DPSIR Framework. Research Journal of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, ISSN
2320-6063 Vol. 2(3), 20-30, March (2014)
 USAID, Liberia Environmental Threats and Opportunities Assessment (ETOA) Final, United States Agency for International
Development, Liberia, (2008)
 UNEP, Desk Study on the Environment in Liberia, United Nations Environmental Programme, Switzerland,(2004)
 UNDP, State of the Environment Report for Liberia 2006, UNDP,Liberia,(2006)
 MPEA (Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs, Liberia, 2003) and MPEA/IMF (Ministry of Planning and Economic
Affairs, Liberia /International Monetary Fund, 2005)
 USAID, Liberia Environmental Threats and Opportunities Assessment (ETOA) Final, United States Agency for International
Development, Liberia, (2008)
 UNEP, Global Environment Outlook GEO5: Environment for the Future We Want,United Nations Environment Programme,
Malta, (2012)
 UNEP, Desk Study on the Environment in Liberia, United Nations Environmental Programme, Switzerland,(2004)
 UNEP, Global Environment Outlook (GEO4): Environment for Development, United Nations Environment Programme,
Progress Press, Valletta, (2007)
 USAID, Liberia Environmental Threats and Opportunities Assessment (ETOA) Final, United States Agency for International
Development, Liberia, (2008)
THANK YOU