Current Projects

National Public Awareness Campaign:
Liberia, West Africa

From 2004 through much of 2005, Forest Partners International will be working with the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia to implement a public awareness campaign throughout Liberia to promote environmental awareness. The campaign is funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and will promote awareness of Liberia's protected wildlife, the extinction risks that many species face, and how the average person can help. The effectiveness of the campaign will be measured through a national survey to determine changes in public opinions. (Protected Wildlife of Liberia poster)

Community Relations Officers:Liberia, West Africa

The Community Relations Officer program was founded in 2002 by the Philadelphia Zoo. Locally respected individuals were hired to serve as liaisons between rural communities adjacent to Sapo National Park and the park staff. They also provide environmental education to local schools and the general public, focusing on the need for protecting forests and wildlife for future generations.

Today, there are two Community Relations Officers. Thomas

Norman is from the Sapo ethnic group, while Nelson Bobway is Grebo. Together they work to improve relations with Sapo National Park and improve the future for their communities. They also collect information that is important to

Thomas Norman	Nelson Bobway

conservation, particularly data related to the wildlife harvest in the region. While the program continues to be funded by the Philadelphia Zoo, Forest Partners International has taken on the management of this important community-based program.

Socio-Economic Survey, Sapo National Park: Liberia, West Africa

In 2003, the Legislature of Liberia expanded Sapo National Park by nearly 50%. Forest Partners International conducted a socio-economic survey in 2004 to evaluate how the areas annexed to the park were formally or are currently used by adjacent communities. The results of this project will be data important in identifying priorities for conflict resolution by the park staff and conservation organizations. The data will also help identify development needs within the rural villages most affected by the park expansion. This project is being funded by the Tropical Rainforest Programme of the Netherlands Committee of the World Conservation Union (IUCN).

Golden-Headed Langur Conservation: Cat Ba Island, Vietnam

The golden-headed langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus) is only found on Cat Ba Island in North Vietnam, and is listed as one of the world's two most critically endangered primate species by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Poaching had reduced it to several isolated sub-populations and only 52 individuals by 2000.

In November 2000, the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations and the Münster Zoo initiated a project on Cat Ba Island, which aimed to conserve the golden-headed langurs and its habitat. Poaching was brought under control and for the first time in decades the population increased.

The project is now entering its second phase, and will focus on reducing habitat and population fragmentation, conducting behavioral research, building capacity, and promoting local conservation action. FPI is proud to join this effort, through a generous grant from the Margo Marsh Biodiversity Foundation.

Human-Wildlife Conflict: Liberia, West Africa

This project is the logical next step for work in Liberia, and was identified as a need during previous projects. In 2000, local informants identified several species as crop pests around Sapo National Park. From 2001-2003, during the collection of wildlife harvest and bushmeat trade data, local communities complained of crop damage and threats from wildlife (i.e. forest buffalo) to villagers. They believe that the park is the source of the wildlife, and named many species (including several endangered animals) as the main threats. In addition, a survey and park planning workshop facilitated by Fauna & Flora International in 2002 confirmed that the communities adjacent to Sapo National Park see crop raiding by wildlife as a major conflict with the park. They also reported that relations with park staff were poor, as they believe that the Park staff care more for wildlife than they do for people.

This study will use video camera traps to identify species involved in crop raiding and document the relative impact of each species. The project will also build capacity in the use of camera trapping techniques within our partner organizations (Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia, Forestry Development Authority, Cuttington University College), and begin the development of methodologies to reduce crop damage and thus improve community and park staff relations.

Funding is still being sought for this project, which is to begin in 2005.

University Capacity-Building: Liberia, West Africa

Nearly 14 years of civil war have left Liberia's economy and society in ruins. Basic services, such as power, running water, health care and schools are struggling to resume. FPI is working with Liberian universities to help prepare students for the conservation challenges facing Liberia. Donations of equipment and literature help to revive science departments, and FPI is working with Cuttington University College to prepare its Integrated Rural Development students for work with rural communities that will bring together conservation and development goals into appropriate and sustainable actions. This ongoing activity is funded through individual donations of equipment and cash.

Adopt A Village Program: Liberia, West Africa

Through this ongoing effort FPI works with selected villages adjacent to Sapo National Park to promote community action for conservation and development. In full consultation with the community, priorities are identified and projects planned. The communities themselves implement projects related to community-based conservation, health, education or economic development. This program is funded through donations. If you would like to help, click on the link at the top of this page.

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