Yesterday, The Nature Compact Team Leader Borwen Buku-Levi Sayon, participated in the celebrations marking the World Wetlands Day celebration at Kpatawe Waterfall, Bong County Liberia. He writes a short summary about the event:
It was amazing!
Organized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with funding from the UNDP Liberia, the event brought together Donors, local Communities, Private Sector Actors, Government agencies, Academia, and Civil Society Organizations. Mr. Abraham Tumbey Jr representing the UNDP country representative, emphasized the institution’s commitment to supporting the EPA and partners.
All stakeholders speaking at the program emphasized on Liberia’s natural heritage-coastline, forest, biodiversity, people and culture while stressing the need to invest in, and promote conservation and Tourism for development. They also spoke of the opportunities, risks and challenges in developing the Liberia’s Tourism Industry and the role of each stakeholder.
I was also asked to facilitate a panel of the National Tourism Dialogue - a side event organized by Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia - SCNL. Now that was tasking!! Good thing I had read the Tourism Export Strategy and the National Tourism Policy before coming!!!
The panel comprised of:
Hon Lance K. Gbagonyon Deputy Minister of Information brilliantly articulated the New National Tourism Policy - outlining its benefits and key next steps.
Dr. Annika Hillers - Wild Chimpanzee Foundation Liberia Country Director who spoke about Leveraging Liberia’s biodiversity and forest for ecotourism growth. She spoke about Liberia’s Forest, wildlife, the threats, community culture, conservation opportunities and financing needs.
Madam Mai Urey spoke about the role of private sector in promoting Liberia tourism - she highlighted the progress made with organizing the tourism industry, key strategies needed to maximize outputs and support for private sector actors.
Rudolph Antoune CEO of Libassa Ecolodge spoke about his experience in ecotourism investment, risks, challenges and opportunities. Amazing success story about Libassa Ecolodge progress!
Major take away:
- Conservation must come before ecotourism; - EU ambassador;
- Conservation alone will not support ecotourism - ease of business will complement the effort;
- Communities economic growth, livelihoods and capacity must go hand in hand with tourism industry development;
- Bureaucratic bottlenecks must be minimized, if the tourism industry will grow;
There is so much potential. The serenity of Kpatawee Waterfall was so addictive and soothing, the majestic architecture of the rocks and water, birds, aqua life, and terrestrial animals, the cultural music, the food, laughter and hospitality of the people made me want to stay back for the entire week!
Sadly, we had to leave when the sun was setting! But you should visit! It’s beautiful out there!!
