The Policy Brief argues for an approach that situates forest and forest resources at the center of sustainable development efforts in forest communities. It proposes, for example that community forestry should be oriented towards social empowerment and community-owned enterprise development, and move away from the rent-seeking approach in which communities look to logging companies because they promise jobs, roads, schools, clinics, and clean water.

Peace building efforts by Liberian legislators and their international partners have recognized the significance of forest governance in sustaining peace over the past 15 years. But whereas last year's Land Rights Law1(LRL) was heralded as an improvement also for community forest governance, some provisions of the new law may become problematic for community forestry when implemented.

The passage, in September 2018, of the Land Rights Law (LRL) in Liberia was a critical moment in the country's long and tortuous path to legislative reforms in the land and natural resource sector. The LRL secures the rights of over 3 million Liberians to own and manage their land, particularly those in rural areas that have been historically marginalized and denied formal legal recognition of their customary land and resources. 

Community Land Protection Tools: Land Rights Policy Poster

Community Land Protection Tools: Community Self-Identification Poster

Community Land Protection Tools: The Community Rights Law Poster

Community Land Protection Tools: FPIC Poster