Monrovia, Liberia – March 26, 2025 – A coalition of Liberian NGOs and community-based organizations has issued a strong resolution calling for a transparent, equitable, and participatory approach to the development of a national carbon policy and law. The resolution, adopted today, outlines key principles to ensure that the management of Liberia’s carbon resources benefits all stakeholders, particularly vulnerable communities.
The resolution, signed by representatives from the National Union of Community Forest Management Bodies (NUCFMB), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community Land Development and Management Committees (CLDMCs), and the National Union of Forest-Dependent Communities (NUFDC), emphasizes the urgent need for clarity and accountability in carbon governance.
Key demands highlighted in the resolution include:
- Prioritization of a robust national carbon policy: The coalition insists that a comprehensive policy framework must precede any carbon law, providing a clear foundation for governance and legislative consistency.
2. Clear definition of carbon rights: The policy and law must explicitly define carbon, its types, ownership structures, and associated rights to prevent ambiguity and protect community interests.
3. Equitable benefit-sharing: The coalition demands a fair benefit-sharing scheme that ensures vulnerable groups, especially women and marginalized communities, receive a just share of climate financing benefits.
4. Comprehensive assessment of climate financing mechanisms: A thorough comparison of various carbon credit schemes and other climate financing mechanisms is needed to identify the most sustainable and equitable options for local communities.
5. Fair representation in policy development: The coalition advocates for equal representation in the policy development process, with five representatives each from CSOs, communities, and the private sector actively participating in decision-making.
6. Community awareness and engagement: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) are urged to conduct extensive awareness campaigns at the community level, beginning with a detailed roadmap and continuing throughout the policy and law formation process.
7. Transparency and collaboration: The National Carbon Coordinating Steering Committee (NCCSC), in collaboration with the FDA, EPA, and Land Authority, is called upon to prioritize the implementation of these action points, aligning with the outcomes of the Communities and CSOS Legal Working Group (LWG).
The communities and the coalition expressed their commitments to assisting in the effective implementation of these priorities and underscored its dedication to fostering a participatory approach to carbon governance in Liberia. The resolution concludes with the signatures of the participating organizations.
