Conservation International donates several Drones to FDA -Renews commitment to support forest security

The Conservation International (CI), one of FDA’s key collaborating partners in forest sector has donated five pieces of drones valued over USD$11,000 to the management of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) aimed at augmenting the monitoring and surveillance roles being played by its forest rangers in the wake of the increasing illegal activities by poachers and wildlife traders.

Under the GEF NCA project, the “annual in-kind grant” aims at supporting government institutions in executing their respective duties. It was being donated to FDA at a time when the entity is conspicuously making efforts in providing maximum care and protection for the forest and other natural resources from falling prey in the grips of forest hooligans who are untiringly bent on carrying out illegal activities against national economic growth as well as impede international protocols and conventions.

Making the donation Wednesday June 9, 2021 at the FDA head office in Benarld Farm Monrovia, CI Executive Director Peter Mulbah recognized the magnanimous performance of the FDA management in sustainably managing the Liberian forest and meanwhile pledged his entity’s unwavering partnership with the FDA in whatever practicable way. He praised the Managing Director C. Mike Doyern and his team for the level of measurable conservation initiatives being undertaken they are undertaking, something he said worth commendation and support.

Gladly accepting the drones, FDA Managing Director, C. Mike Doyern recounted the significant roles being played by the Conservation International (CI) in the forest sector, especially under the leadership of Mr. Mulbah, a young Liberian whom he described as one of the nation’s prides.

He recalled the USD1m conservation trust fund launched by CI in recent time geared towards supporting conservation programs in the country and hoped for sustained and defined collaboration between CI and the FDA in the wake of the enormous challenges in combating forest crimes. He used the occasion to reiterate the need to arm the forest rangers that they may be equipped to effectively police the forest as it’s done in other countries.  He assured the CI family that the drones will be used for the intended purpose.