The Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) through its Forest Governance Program (FGP) Monday, on March 13, 2023, welcomed a delegation from Siemenpuu Foundation based in Finland.
Siemenpuu is currently supporting two partners in Liberia and they include SDI and Social Entrepreneur for Sustainable Development (SESDev) to undertake community forestry interventions. SDI is leading a project jointly implemented by the National Union of Community Forest Management Bodies (NUCFMB), Liberia Forest Media Watch (LFMW), and the Civil Society Independent Forest Monitors (CS-IFM).
The project coordinated by the SDI is titled: “Working together to strengthen community forestry in Liberia.” The long-term impacts envisaged will contribute to communities sustainably managing their forests, the government taking prompt action to address forest illegalities, and strong civil society organizations impacting policy makers and companies and the private sector taking corrective actions to curb illegality and improve transparency and accountability in the forest sector.
The project covers 36 months, starting in November 2022 and ending in July 2025. The direct beneficiaries are community members of four community forests: Gola Konneh in Grand Cape Mount County, Worr and Gheegbah 2 in Grand Bassa County, and Garwin in Rivercess County respectively.
Monday’s visitation by Siemenpuu is assessing inception activities and overall project management to ensure challenges are addressed leading to a successful implementation. Liberia is among five African countries currently supported by the Siemenpuu Foundation.
During the meeting, the Program Coordinator of the Forest Governance Program (FGP) and SDI Acting Executive Director, Mr. Jonathan W. Yiah along with a staff of SDI welcomed the delegation and provided them with an overview of the organization. He also provided details on the project's progress, challenges, and inception progress. The Siemenpuu team was also briefed on the ''This is my backyard (TIMBY)'' app among others.
Members of the Siemenpuu delegation include: Timo Kuronen, Communications Officer & Programme Coordinator, Maiju Palosann, Programme Officer, and Kirsi Charda, Programme Coordinator.