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.