The protected area network of Liberia has grown considerably since its start in 1983 with Sapo National Park. The number of proposed areas have been growing in bursts since then, and the actual protected areas have grown at a slower pace, with 5 areas protected so far, and 11 others proposed. The gazettement of additional national parks is an essential part of Conservation initiatives in Liberia, with various NGOs and GOs working towards the approval of lobbied proposed protected area Acts.
The use of wildlife corridors in the country has been proposed as a means of expanding the Protected Area Network of the country. To this effect, two new forested regions were recently protected in Liberia, the Gola National Forest and the Grebo-Krahn National Forest. These are close to other protected areas, some of which are in neighbouring countries, thus promoting regionally coordinated conservation.
Image: The protected area network of Liberia
Protected Areas:
Sapo National Park
East Nimba Nature Reserve
Lake Piso Multiple-Use Reserve
Gola National Forest Park
Grebo-Krahn National Forest Park
Proposed protected areas:
Bong Mountains
Cestos-Senkwehn
Foya National Forest
Gbi National Forest
Grand Kru-River Gee Forest
Kpo Mountains
Margibi Mangrove
West Nimba National Forest
Wologizi Forest
Wonegezi Forest
Zwedru Forest
Community forests
Community forests collectively make up a fair percentage of Liberia’s forests, and while unprotected by conventional law, are sometimes protected by tradition and associated practices.