The Sustainable Development Institute (SDI), Greenlimba, Njala University, and Welthungerhilfe (WHH), on Friday, June 5, 2026, teamed up with local communities, government ministries and agencies, traditional leaders, and students to celebrate World Environment Day 2026 in Suakoko District, Bong County.
This gathering brought together hundreds of people, all united by a shared passion for environmental conservation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable development. The celebration was packed with activities aimed at raising awareness and encouraging community involvement in protecting Liberia’s natural resources.
Kicking off the celebrations were radio discussions on Thursday, June 4, 2026, that emphasized the importance of protecting the environment, restoring ecosystems, and working together to tackle climate change. These discussions served as a platform for stakeholders to engage the public about the urgent need to protect forests, biodiversity, and other natural resources vital to livelihoods and community health.
Next, an exciting parade was on the main streets of Suakoko, capturing the attention of local residents and spreading essential messages about environmental stewardship. Students, youth groups, community members, and local leaders marched proudly, carrying banners that called for forest protection, climate action, and landscape restoration.
The celebration also included an inter-school debate in which students argued passionately for the importance of safeguarding forests, preserving biodiversity, and addressing the growing impacts of climate change. This debate highlighted the passion and knowledge of young people, showcasing their vital role in promoting environmental sustainability.
To wrap up the celebration and symbolize their collective commitment to restoring damaged landscapes, participants engaged in tree planting activities. This exercise illustrated the determination of communities and their willingness to take action for a greener future.
During the event, A. Morris Nyain, the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Officer at the SDI, highlighted that protecting the environment is a collective duty. He calls for teamwork among communities, government bodies, development partners, and civil society organizations.
Jimmy F. Niear, the Suakoko District Clerk representing the District Commissioner, commended ongoing efforts to restore damaged ecosystems and to encourage responsible land-use practices that strike a balance between conservation and people's livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Tany D. Quaplu, the Chairlady of Suakoko District, emphasized the need for united action to bring back the forests. She promised to rally her colleagues to back the current project in the district.
The celebration of World Environment Day was part of the ongoing project titled "Community-Led Ecosystem Restoration in Farm-Forest Landscapes in Sierra Leone and Liberia." This project is being carried out in Moyamba District, Sierra Leone, and Suakoko District, Liberia.
Running from March 2025 to January 2029, the project aims to tackle the pressing issue of deforestation, which poses a threat to biodiversity, livelihoods, and climate resilience in the region. It focuses on restoring damaged forest ecosystems, enhancing community resilience and livelihoods, promoting sustainable and inclusive land-use practices, and fostering environmental stewardship through active community involvement.
The project is backed by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the Reversing Environmental Degradation in Africa and Asia (REDAA) program, which is managed by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).
Welthungerhilfe (WHH) is the lead agency for implementation, while Njala University contributes research and policy expertise. Greenlimba takes charge of reforestation and ecosystem restoration efforts, and the Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) focuses on livelihood development. As the celebration closed, participants made a commitment to support these vital initiatives.