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Farmers Associated to Conserve the Environment (FACE)

FINAL REPORT ON

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BOMI COUNTY FOREST FORUM

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CONTENT

INTRODUCTION …………………………………………………………………………………… 4 - 5

BACKGROUND …………………………………………………………………………………….. 5

OBJECTIVE OF THE LETTER OF AGREEMENT ………………………………………. 6

METHODOLOGY USED IN THE PROJECT …………………………………………….. 6

ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN AND RESULTS ACHIEVED ……………………………. 6 - 9

HUMAN RESOURCES AND LOGISTICS EMPLOYEES / PARTNERSHIPS ….. 9

PARTICIPANTS / BENEFICIARIES ………………………………………………………….. 10

CONCLUSION ……………………………………………………………………………………… 10

RECOMMENDATIONS ………………………………………………………………………… 11

ANNEXES:

Annex 1: Stakeholders Identification & Analysis ReportAnnex 2: Constitution and By-lawsAnnex 3: Term of ReferenceAnnex 4: Strategic PlanAnnex 5: List of BCFF Members

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ACRONYMS

BCFF Bomi County Forest Forum

CFF County Forest Forum

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization

FACE Farmers Associated to Conserve the Environment

FDA Forestry Development Authority

MIA Ministry of Internal Affairs

MLME Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy

MOA Ministry of Agriculture

NFF National Forest Forum

NFP National Forest Program

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INTRODUCTION

The Farmers Associated to Conserve the Environment (FACE) was contracted by the Food and

Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA)

to provide technical support for the preparation and establishment of the Bomi County Forest

Forum.

In executing its mandate under the contract, FACE conducted series of activities commencing

with a stakeholder identification and analysis study. The study was designed to identify

stakeholders of forest issues in Bomi County at the chiefdom, district and county levels; and to

analyze their various characteristics; interests, concerns; interaction between different

stakeholders; proximity to forests, power relations; local knowledge related to sustainable

forest resources management; culture & forests/forest resources links, and pre-existing

customary rights to forest resources. The study also sought to analyze the organizational

capacity of groups for effective rules and accountable decision-making about forest goods and

services; options for bringing together the unorganised groups to facilitate the building of their

capacity to ensure their effective participation in the NFP process; and any potential opposition

of individuals or groups to the formation of the CFF.

After the stakeholder identification and analysis process, FACE conducted three consultative

and awareness workshops for members of several stakeholder groupings from all four districts

of Bomi County.

The purpose of the workshops was to sensitize the various stakeholders (some of whom

became members of the BCFF) on issues of sustainable forest management as well as key issues

in the National Forestry Law of 2006 and the various FDA regulations relating to sustainable

forest management in Liberia. The workshop also served as a platform for consulting the

stakeholders on issues of sustainable forest management and the establishment of the Bomi

County Forest Forum. The various stakeholder groupings who participated in the workshops

were identified during the stakeholder identification and analysis study.

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A term of reference was created for members of the Bomi County Forest Forum; after which,

twenty-five (25) persons representing all stakeholder groupings from the four districts were

selected to become the initial members of the Bomi County Forest Forum. The selection was

done based on consultations with stakeholders, including local authorities and elders in the

various districts.

Additionally, FACE developed the BCFF’s Constitution and By-laws and a five-year strategic plan.

All of these documents were prepared in collaboration with the full membership of the Bomi

County Forest Forum.

At the initial meeting of the full membership of the group, it elected its leadership and adopted

its Constitution and By-laws. The BCFF was subsequently launched on December 17, 2010.

BACKGROUND

The concept of the County Forest Forum (CFF) was envisioned by the FDA, FAO and the National Forest Program Facility in their bid to support the smooth operation of the National Forest Forum (NFF) by including stakeholders from the county, district and chiefdom levels. The CFF was simultaneously being established in all fifteen counties of Liberia.

The Partnership established between the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) of Liberia and the National Forest Programme Facility of FAO is based on a concept note prepared by FDA, setting up a framework for implementation of the process over a three-year period.

The main purpose of the partnership is to establish effective mechanisms and structures for multi-stakeholders dialogue aimed at: (i) sustainable management of Liberia’s forests; (ii) equitable sharing of the benefits and responsibilities from the forest; and (iii) efficient conflict resolution during forest management and utilization.

It was against this backdrop that FACE was contracted to provide technical support for the preparation and establishment of the Bomi County Forest Forum. FACE hired a consultant who was ably assisted by three regular FACE staffs. The consultant’s work was defined by a term of reference developed by the FDA.

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OBJECTIVES OF THE LETTER OF AGREEMENT (LOA)

The main purpose of the activities under this agreement is to prepare and establish the County Forest Forum (CFF) of Bomi County. The specific objectives of this Agreement are the following:

(i) Specific Objective 1: In consultation with key partners (eg. FDA, Communities), conduct stakeholder identification and analysis at the chiefdom, district and county levels in the assigned county;

(ii) Specific Objective 2: Prepare materials for awareness raising on the County Forest Forum; and

(iii) Specific Objective 3: Set up and implement the County Forest Forum. This included the preparation of the BCFF’s guiding documents as well as coaching and mentoring.

METHODOLOGY USED IN THE PROJECT

To ensure full technical assistance to the formation of the Bomi County Forest Forum, FACE employed various methods, including a stakeholder identification and analysis studies, awareness and education awareness workshops, coaching and mentoring of BCFF members, and a participatory approach to the development of the group’s guiding documents.

The stakeholder identification and analysis study was conducted using four major

methods, including personal interviews, community interviews, meetings and observation. The awareness and education workshops were conducted in a participatory manner, allowing participants to freely contribute to the discussions.

All of the processes that led to the full establishment of the BCFF were fully participatory and consultative, including the selection of BCFF members and the development of the group’s guiding documents, such as the Constitution, and strategic plan.

ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN AND RESULTS ACHIEVED

During the duration of the project, several key activities were undertaken which was intended to fulfil the objectives of the project. All of the expected results under this project were achieved. The activities undertaken include a stakeholder identification and analysis study; awareness and education workshops; development of the BCFF founding documents (term of

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reference, strategic plan, and Constitution and By-laws); selection and election of BCFF membership and leadership; and the launching of the BCFF.

Stakeholder Identification and Analysis Study

FACE conducted a study for identification and analysis of stakeholders. The study was designed to identify stakeholders of forest issues in Bomi County at the chiefdom, district and county levels; and to analyze their various characteristics (See Annex 1 for full report). The study was conducted using four major methods, including personal interviews, community interviews, meetings and observation.

In the course of the study, FACE identified and categorized a total of twelve (12) major stakeholder groups who directly affect and are affected by the usage and management of the forest. These major stakeholder groups are most likely to have greater impact on the establishment of the Bomi County Forest Forum. However, the FACE research team also identified some other smaller and less influential groups who are not listed, but characteristics and interests were taken into account during the study. These smaller groups share similar interest and concerns with the major stakeholder groups listed in this report.

The stakeholder identification and analysis process greatly aided the selection of the Bomi County Forest Forum. Membership to the group was determined based on the findings of the stakeholder identification and analysis study.

Awareness and Education Workshops

In furtherance of activities leading to the

formation of the Bomi County Forest Forum

(BCFF), FACE conducted three consultative

and awareness workshops for members of

several stakeholder groupings from all four

districts of Bomi County. The three

workshops were conducted in Senjeh, Klay

and Suehn-Mecca Districts; the workshop

conducted in Klay District included participants from both Klay and Dewoin Districts.

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During each workshop, the FACE facilitators introduced the participants to key issues in the

National Forestry Law of 2006 and related FDA regulations. The participants were also exposed

to various topics on sustainable forest management. Specifically, participants were taught their

obligations and benefits under the law. They were

also taught the importance of sustainable forest

management and the consequences to their lives and

the environment if the forest is ill-managed. The

workshops were highly participatory in which the

participants raised several issues and made some

suggestions on ways of ensuring sustainable forest

management in Liberia.

The workshops broadened the knowledge of the participants on issues of sustainable forest

management as well as key issues in the National Forestry Law of 2006 and the various FDA

regulations relating to sustainable forest management in Liberia. Most of the members of the

BCFF attended this workshop, which orientated them to the National Forestry Law of 2006 and

the various FDA regulations.

Additionally, FACE conducted a workshop on fundraising. The workshop exposed the BCFF to

fundraising techniques and sources.

Development of the BCFF Founding Documents

FACE also developed some guiding documents for the use of the BCFF. These documents included a term of reference, a Constitution and By-laws and a five-year strategic plan. All of these documents were prepared in collaboration with the membership of the BCFF as well as other stakeholders in Bomi County. The Constitution and strategic plan were vetted and adopted by the full membership of the BCFF.

The BCFF Strategic Plan was developed through a two-day brainstorming process involving its membership. The brainstorming process provided valuable raw data upon which the strategic plan is written.

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The full implementation of the Strategic Plan will enable the BCFF make enormous impact in the fulfilment of its mission, goals and Strategic Objectives. All of these documents along with policies to be developed will work in harmony for the smooth operations of the BCFF.

Selection and Election of BCFF Membership and Leadership

Based on the findings of the stakeholder identification and analysis study, twenty-five persons were selected to become members of the BCFF, representing all stakeholder category and all districts in Bomi County. BCFF members were selected based on consultation with stakeholders, including local authorities and elders in the various districts.

The twenty-five BCFF members include twenty persons representing different stakeholders groups at the district level, and five persons representing government ministries/agencies, including FDA, EPA, MOA, MIA, and MLME.

Subsequently, the twenty-five BCFF members met and elected their leadership, including a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson, a Secretary, a Treasurer and an Assistant Secretary as stipulated in the BCFF’s Constitution. The elections were conducted by representatives from FACE, FDA and EPA.

Launching of the BCFF

After the composition of its membership and leadership, and with the adoption of its Constitution and By-laws and other guiding documents, the BCFF was launched on December 17, 2010.

The launching program was held in Tubmanburg, Bomi County and was facilitated by FACE. Several persons attended the program, including the Bomi County officials, the membership of the BCFF, representatives of Government agencies and several members of the public.

The Bomi County Forest Forum, as being fully established, remains a vital partner in the promotion of sustainable forest management in Liberia.

HUMAN RESOURCES AND LOGISTICS EMPLOYEES / PARTNERSHIPS

The project team comprised 4 members: the consultant and three FACE staff. A vehicle (Toyota Pickup) was hired, and hotel accommodation (lodging and feeding) provided during field trips to Bomi County. The project team also got some meaningful assistance from local officials, community based groups, private individuals and regulatory agencies.

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PARTICIPANTS / BENEFICIARIES

In the course of the project, FACE identified and categorized a total of twelve (12) major stakeholder groups who directly affect and are affected by the usage and management of the forest from all four districts of Bomi County. FACE also identified and worked with some other smaller and less influential groups who were not listed, but characteristics and interests were taken into account during the implementation of the project.

Specifically, FACE interviewed forty persons (both males and females) during the stakeholder identification and analysis study, and interacted with several other persons during the implementation of the project. A total of sixty-five persons (both males and females) attended the three awareness and education workshops.

CONCLUSIONS

Sustainable forest management is a participatory endeavour. A sustainable management

process involves all stakeholder groupings at various levels of society, including community,

county and national stakeholders. Greater participation of citizens in the management process

is significant to the overall effectiveness of the National forestry law and the various FDA

regulations. As the participants stated during the project, regular consultations at all levels,

especially involving affected communities, are necessary in the sustainable management of the

forest.

As such, the Bomi County Forest Forum is a vital vehicle in initiating consultations at the

community and county levels. Efforts should also be made to create forest forums at the district

and clan levels for efficiency and effectiveness in communication and consultations at those

levels; the lower level forums should work closely with the county forums. If they are composed

correctly and made functional, these forest forums will serve as strong partners of the FDA in

the sustainable management of the forest in Liberia.

However, the success of the Bomi County Forest Forum depends on the general support of all

stakeholders, including the Bomi County officials and FDA. The full commitment of the group

membership is also vital to its overall success.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on findings from the project, FACE recommends the following:

1. That the National Government institutes a program for training local people in

alternative ways of agriculture – farming, fishery and animal husbandry;

2. That the Government addresses the issue of rural poverty by creating job opportunities

and prioritizing education;

3. That the FDA maintains representatives at the district level, and the forest forum also be

initiated at the district and clan levels;

4. That the Bomi County Forest Forum be given full support by local and national

authorities, and the citizenry of Bomi County;

5. That the Government ensures that companies always fulfil their obligations to affected

communities.

6. That awareness on sustainable forest management is continual, and that partners that are introducing alternative methods for forest use and providing alternative means of livelihood to local communities be supported.

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ANNEX 1: A Study for the Identification and Analysis of Stakeholders for the Preparation and Establishment of the Bomi County Forest Forum (BCFF)

Executive Summary

In February 2010, The Farmers Associated to Conserve the Environment (FACE) signed an agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) to facilitate the setting up Bomi County The idea of the County Forest Forum (CFF) is seen by the FDA, FAO and the National Forest Program Facility as significant way of supporting the smooth operations of the National Forest Forum (NFF).

As a prerequisite, the agreement called for a stakeholder’s identification and analysis study to be conducted at county, district and chiefdom levels in Bomi County. The study was to identify stakeholders from different background and to analyze their various characteristics; interests, concerns; interaction between different stakeholders; proximity to forests, power relations; local knowledge related to sustainable forest resources management; culture & forests/forest resources links, and pre-existing customary rights to forest resources. The study was to also analyze the organizational capacity of groups for effective rules and accountable decision-making about forest goods and services; options for bringing together the unorganised groups to facilitate the building of their capacity to ensure their effective participation in the Bomi County Forest Forum.

To begin, FACE research team designed standard questionnaires as a way of engaging the process. During the stakeholder’s identification, FACE, using the same questionnaires, conducted one-on-one interviews with local officials and individuals, group interviews, and focus group discussion. Additionally the research team was highly observant of the environment.

In the course of the research stakeholders were identified and categorized into twelve (12) major stakeholder groups who directly affect and are affected by the usage and management of the forest. These major stakeholder groups are most likely to impact on the establishment of the Bomi County Forest Forum. There are other smaller and less influential groups, thus not listed, but share similar interests with the major stakeholder groups listed in this report. The research discovered that all of the major stakeholders embrace the formation of the forest forum. However, doing its formation, key considerations should be given to the power relation among stakeholders for the sustainability of the body.The study advises that local officials at county, district and chiefdom levels, form part of the BCFF membership without major decision making powers or voting rights, but to ensure the effectiveness of the group. It also suggests that members with voting rights should be selected by their own people in each district. There should be clear criteria for selection so that major stakeholders, including women are not left out, and that the process is not manipulated; and that massive awareness on sustainable forest management is carry out and that partners that are introducing alternative methods for forest use and providing alternative means of livelihood be supported.

IntroductionThe Farmers Associated to Conserve the Environment (FACE) was contracted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) to provide technical support for the preparation and establishment of the Bomi County Forest Forum (See annex 3 for brief profile of Bomi County). The concept of the County Forest Forum (CFF) was envisioned by the FDA, FAO and the National Forest Program Facility in their bid to support the smooth operation of the National Forest Forum (NFF) by including stakeholders from the county, district and chiefdom levels. The CFF is simultaneously being established in all fifteen counties of Liberia. In preparation of the establishment of the Bomi County Forest Forum, FACE conducted a study for identification and analysis of stakeholders. The study was designed to identify stakeholders of forest issues in Bomi County at the chiefdom, district and county levels; and to analyze their various characteristics; interests, concerns; interaction between different stakeholders; proximity to forests, power relations; local knowledge related to sustainable forest resources management; culture & forests/forest resources links, and pre-existing customary rights to forest resources. The study also sought to analyze the organizational capacity of groups for effective rules and accountable decision-making about forest goods and services; options for bringing together the unorganised groups to facilitate the building of their capacity to ensure their effective participation in the NFP process; and any potential opposition of individuals or groups to the formation of the CFF.

The study was conducted in all of the four districts (Dewoin, Klay, Senjeh and Suehn-Mecca) of Bomi County, targeting major towns and villages. The research team previously met with the Development Superintendent of Bomi County, and other key regulatory agencies including the FDA, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture local office to acquaint these key stakeholders of the project. The study identified, as it was designed to do, several stakeholders who features were analyzed, as shown in this report. Its findings reflect the conditions of stakeholders in all four districts of the county.

Methodology

The study was conducted using four major methods, including personal interviews, community interviews, meetings and observation.Personal interview was the method mostly used by the FACE research team. With the help of Bomi county officials and the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) regional office in Bomi County, the FACE researchers identified several key individuals for interview. These individuals were tracked and interviewed using a well-structured questionnaire (See Annex 2).

Another method used often was community interviews. Using the same questionnaire developed for personal interviews, the researchers had several group interview sessions with local community dwellers who live adjacent the forest.

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Additionally, the researchers had meetings with several groups including local officials at the county, district and chiefdom levels; personnel of the regional FDA Office; community-based organizations and professional associations. These meetings which preceded the personal and community interviews were actually used to identify key stakeholders for the various interviews.The FACE research team interspersed the various methods earlier mentioned with direct observation. The team visited several forest regions where it observed the production of charcoal, and local furniture. The team also observed farming and wood sawing activities within the study area. Through this process, the researchers also observed the usage of several other forest products as well as interactions between some stakeholders.

FindingsIn the course of the study, FACE identified and categorized a total of twelve (12) major stakeholder groups who directly affect and are affected by the usage and management of the forest. These major stakeholder groups are most likely to have greater impact on the establishment of the Bomi County Forest Forum (See Annex 1 for complete listing). However, the FACE research team also identified some other smaller and less influential groups who are not listed, but characteristics and interests were taken into account during the study. These smaller groups share similar interest and concerns with the major stakeholder groups listed in this report.

Most of the major stakeholders have vested interests, some of which are conflicting. For instance, the local government officials, private land owners, forest communities and the regulatory agencies are mainly interested in forest conservation, while the farmers, charcoal burners, and pit sawyers are interested in either clearing the forest for farming or extracting forest products (See Annex 1 for stakeholder Analysis Matrix). Even among those who are interested in forest conservation, there are differences regarding procedures and duration of conservation. The private land owners and the forest communities are interested in conserving the forest only for a while; keeping it for future use. The regulatory agencies are committed to long term forest conservation, but there are also procedural difference between the FDA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is interested in the protection of the entire forest without anyone tampering with it for a long time, while FDA is somehow selective, preferring to mainly protect certain type of forest species or endangered species.

There are interactions between and amongst different stakeholders. Some interactions are power based, while others are for convenience. The interactions between the regulatory agencies and the forest users are mainly on a control and compliance basis. On the other hand, forest users, the private land owners and the forest communities interact among themselves for convenience and mutual benefit. For instance, the pit sawyers have to secure an agreement with the forest communities or private land owners before carrying out their operations, while most charcoal burners depend on the farmers for fallen trees in their farms.

Regarding ownership of forest lands, most of the forest is being claimed by the local communities surrounding them. Some private individuals also claim ownership of vast potions of forest lands. The FDA also has a forest reserve, locally known as the FDA Plantation.Many of the stakeholders seem to have some awareness on the effects of deforestation and the need to conserve the forest, though they do not have a comprehensive knowledge on sustainable forest management. However, other stakeholders such as the regulatory agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture local office; the Community based organizations and the professional Associations or cooperatives have knowledge on sustainable forest management.

With regard to issues of women and children, they are the most vulnerable and less influential group. Women do not participate in decision making about forest issues, though they are affected by these issues. One female interviewee pointed out that in her community women and children are not allowed to speak on forest and other community issues. According to her, they do not directly benefit from proceeds from the sale of logs taken from their community forest.Generally, all of the stakeholders covered in the study embraced the establishment of the BCFF, and expressed willing to cooperate with it. The implications of these findings for the establishment of the BCFF are detailed under the next heading.

Implication for the Establishment of the Bomi County Forest ForumEven though almost all of the major stakeholders seem to embrace the establishment of the BCFF, caution should be taken in its configurations. The local authorities, especially at the district and chiefdom levels have significant influence; their support is greatly needed for the successful operation of the BCFF. The private land owners and the forest communities also have a great measure of influence because of their claims to the forest lands. In this influential group are also the regulatory agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture local office. Agreement between and partnership with these agencies are vital for the success of the BCFF.

The awareness on the effect of deforestation among many of the other stakeholders and their perception that the BCFF will give them influence is a positive signal. This awareness on the importance of sustainable forest management and local ownership of the process will be continued and increased, as required by the project. However, increased awareness does not necessarily equal change in behavior. The issue of the usage of the forest is also an issue of survival that will need to be addressed. People will not easily conform to best practices in sustainable forest management if alternative means of survival are not provided. In this regard, stakeholders such as the Ministry of Agriculture, NGOs, CBOs, Farming Cooperatives and Professional Associations will be vital partners for the BCFF. For instance, the Ministry of Agriculture local office in Bomi County is currently teaching a new effective methodology to farmers that would enable farmers use a piece of land over a long period of time and still get better yields. These kinds of initiatives are important approaches for sustainable forest management; if people will have to forgo their traditional practices that are harmful to the forest, they need to be taught alternative methods.

Women are often excluded from local decision-making groups because of their weak position in their various communities. Even though they are most affected by forest issues, they currently do not have a voice in deciding these issues, and as the study reveals do not benefit from the sale of forest products. In order for the BCFF to be truly inclusive and effective; however, efforts need to be made to enable women have a strong voice in this Forum.

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RecommendationsBased on the findings from the study, the research team recommends the following:

7. That District Commissioners or Paramount Chiefs are made members of the BCFF. They can be Ex-officios without major decision making powers or voting rights, but their presence on the Forum is important for effectiveness of the group.

8. Members with voting rights should be selected by their own people in each district. There should be clear criteria for selection so that major stakeholders are not left out, and that the process is not manipulated.

9. That a special quota for women is set to ensure the participation of women in the Forum

10. That massive awareness on sustainable forest management is carry out and that partners that are introducing alternative methods for forest use and providing alternative means of livelihood be supported.

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Annex 1: Stakeholder Analysis for the Establishment of the Bomi County Forest Forum (BCFF)Stakeholder Characteristics Main Interest Interaction with other

StakeholdersPre-existing Customary Rights to Forest

Local Knowledge of Sustainable Forest Management

Potential Impact on the BCFF Operations

Local County Officials Appointed or elected officials such as superintendents, District commissioners, clan, paramount and town chiefs

Conserve the forest; ensure that the local people benefit from the sale of forest products

Interact with each other and with local EPA, MOA, & FDA officials

None Have some awareness on the need for forest conservation; believe that forest should be conserve for future generations

The support of local officials in the establishment of the BCFF is significant for success

FDA Regional Office Represents FDA in Bomi, Gbarpolu and Grand Capemount

Minimize depletion of forest and Reforestation

Interact with local officials, EPA and major forest users

None Has vast knowledge on sustainable forest Management

Collaboration with FDA regional office is important

Charcoal Burners Loose group of people who burn charcoal for livelihood. Many of them are farmers

Sufficient wood for income generation

Collaborate more with farmers for wood in their farms.

None Have not concrete knowledge, but have some awareness on conservation

Could resist and serve as major violators of policies that prevent their operations

Farmers Individuals or families who grow crops for sustenance

Arable land to grow crops Form partnership with charcoal burners

None; except they are community members or private owners

Have little knowledge of conservation

Could resist and serve as major violators of policies that prevent their operation

Loggers/Pit Sawyers Loose group of people, usually from outside of Bomi who cut down forest trees to produce plank

Sufficient and quality log for making plank

Seek permission and collaboration with Forest Communities

None Have some awareness on conservation

Could resist and serve as major violators of policies that prevent their operations

Forest Communities Communities closest to the dense forest areas

Conservation and the need to benefit from the sale of forest products

Collaborate with local officials and forest users

Claims ownership of forest around their communities

Have little knowledge on the effects of deforestation

Their support is needed for the implementation of policy issues.

Ministry of Headed by a coordinator and Arable land for farmers; Collaborate with local None Has knowledge on forest Partnership with the MOA is

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Agriculture (MOA) local office

represents the MOA in Bomi Forest conservation officials and local farmers management crucial in getting farmers support and cooperation

Furniture Makers Loose group of individuals who make furniture from forest products

Plank made from quality forest trees

Depends on pit sawyers for plank

None Have little knowledge on the effects of deforestation

Their compliance is based on the pit sawyers

Community Based Organizations & local Corporative

Organized groups formed to either use the forest or manage the use of it

Arable land for farmers; benefit of local people from the sale of forest products; forest conservation

Interact with local officials None Have knowledge of forest management

Could serve as a strong partner

Private Land Owners Individuals having title deed to vast piece of forest land

Protect of their land for future use

Interact with potential forest users

Claim ownership by land deeds

Many have little knowledge on forest conservation

Their support is needed for the implementation of policy issues.

Women and Children dwelling in forest communities

Often have less say in discussion of forest matter

Inclusion in decision-making on forest issues; benefit from proceed from forest issues; wood for cooking

No interaction with other stakeholders

None None Has limited power, but is a major supporter

Environmental Protection Agency Local Office

Represents the EPA in Bomi County

Protect of the Environment including forest lands

Interact s with local officials and government agencies, CBOs and land users

None Has knowledge of forest management

Could serve as a strong partner

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Interview Questionnaire

OVERVIEWThe following questions are designed to identify stakeholders of forest issues in Bomi County at the chiefdom, district and county levels;

and to analyze their various characteristics; interests, concerns; interaction between different stakeholders; proximity to forests, power

relations; local knowledge related to sustainable forest resources management; culture & forests/forest resources links, pre-existing

customary rights to forest resources, organizational capacity of groups for effective rules and accountable decision-making about forest

goods and services; options for bringing together the unorganised groups to facilitate the building of their capacity to ensure their effective

participation in the NFP process; any potential opposition of individuals or groups to the formation of the CFF.

IDENTIFICATION OF STAKEHOLDERS, THEIR CHARACTERISTICS AND PROXIMITY TO FOREST

1. Can you tell me who you are, where you live and what you do for living?2. Do you have forest near your community?3. Do you use or benefit from the forest, and how?

INTERESTS OR CONCERNS

1. Is the forest of any use to you and how is it useful to you?2. What benefit do you wish to get from the forest in the future?3. What will happen if the ways you use the forest change?4. What do you think of the management and usage of the forest, and how does that affect your life?

POWER RELATIONS AND INTERACTION BETWEEN DIFFERENT STAKEHOLDERS

1. What is the relationship between you and others that are using the forest?2. What are some problems you face in using the forest?3. Who makes the rules, or guide the way people benefit from the forest?4. What is the procedure for using the forest?

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE RELATED TO SUSTAINABLE FOREST RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

1. What do you think about your forest – its present condition, and the way it is being used?2. In what way the use of the forest has changed your environment and the way you do things?3. What do you think of the way the forest is being manage?4. What do you think could be the best way to use the forest for a long time to come?

PRE-EXISTING CUSTOMARY RIGHTS TO FOREST RESOURCES

1. Do you know who own the forest or who has made some claims to the forest?2. Who do you ask if you want to extract forest products from the forest?3. Are there any customary or cultural links to the management or usage of the forest?

ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY OF GROUPS

1. Are you a member of any group that is using the forest?2. Is there any other local group that deals with forest issues, if so what are they and how are they involve with the forest?3. How does your group or others operate – do they have established rules and procedures for conducting business and well-

defined leaderships?

POTENTIAL SUPPORT OR OPPOSITION TO THE FORMATION OF CFF/PARTICIPATION IN NFP (please explain the concept of BCFF and NFP to interviewee)

1. What do you think of the formation of a Bomi County Forest Forum? How can the formation of the BCFF/NFP improve the management of the forest for the benefit of everybody?

2. How can you support the activities of the BCFF/NFP?

CLOSING REMARKS

1. Do you have other information that you want to share with us about the management of the forest?2. Do you have any suggestion about the formation of the CFF or forest management in general?

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. ANNEX II: Report on Consultative and Awareness Workshop

BACKGROUND

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) contracted the Farmers

Associated to Conserve the Environment (FACE) to provide technical support for the preparation and establishment of the Bomi County

Forest Forum.

The concept of the County Forest Forum (CFF) was envisioned by the FDA, FAO and the National Forest Program Facility in their bid to

support the smooth operation of the National Forest Forum (NFF) by including stakeholders from the county, district and chiefdom levels.

The CFF is being established in all 15 counties of Liberia.

In furtherance of activities leading to the formation of the Bomi County Forest Forum (BCFF), FACE conducted three consultative and

awareness workshops for members of several stakeholder groupings from all four districts of Bomi County.

The purpose of the workshops was to sensitize the various stakeholders (some of whom are potential members of the BCFF) on issues of

sustainable forest management as well as key issues in the National Forestry Law of 2006 and the various FDA regulations relating to

sustainable forest management in Liberia. The workshop also served as a platform for consulting the stakeholders on issues of sustainable

forest management and the proposed Bomi County Forest Forum.

The various stakeholder groupings who participated in the workshops were identified during a stakeholder identification and analysis study

which identified several stakeholders of forest issues in Bomi County at the chiefdom, district and county levels. The study also comprised

an analysis of their various characteristics; interests, concerns; interaction between different stakeholders; proximity to forests, power

relations; local knowledge related to sustainable forest resources management; culture & forests/forest resources links, and pre-existing

customary rights to forest resources. Additionally, the study included an analysis of the organizational capacity of groups for effective rules

and accountable decision-making about forest goods and services; options for bringing together the unorganised groups to facilitate the

building of their capacity to ensure their effective participation in the NFP process; and potential opposition of individuals or groups to the

formation of the CFF. The stakeholder identification and analysis study was conducted by FACE in February, 2010.

DESCRIPTION OF WORKSHOPS ACTIVITIES

The three workshops were conducted in Senjeh, Klay and Suehn-Mecca Districts. Workshop for Senjeh District was conducted on August

13, 2010 in Tubmanburg. There were fifteen participants from the communities and one representative each came from the FDA, EPA,

Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, and Farmers cooperative. The workshop conducted in Klay District included

participants from both Klay and Dewoin Districts. The Klay workshop, conducted on August 14, 2010, brought together 30 participants,

while the workshops in Suehn-Mecca workshops comprised of 15 participants. The Suehn-Mecca workshop was conducted on August 20,

2010 . See appendix for complete list of participants.

The participants who attended each workshop comprised of members of various stakeholder groupings such as farming associations,

women Groups, Community forest management groups/ forest related CBOs, private forest land owners, chiefs of communities adjacent to

the forest, loggers, miners and coal burners. Additionally, representatives of the various District Commissioners as well as representatives

of FDA Regional Office, EPA Local Office, Ministry of Agriculture Local Office, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs participated in the

consultative and awareness workshops conducted in their various districts.

During each workshop, the FACE facilitators introduced the participants to key issues in the National Forestry Law of 2006 and related FDA

regulations. The participants were also exposed to various topics on sustainable forest management. Specifically, participants were taught

their obligations and benefits under the law. They were also taught the importance of sustainable forest management and the

consequences to their lives and the environment if the forest is ill-managed.

The workshops were participatory, wherein the facilitators and the participants had a fruitful exchange on most of the topics that were

discussed. The workshops were more of a dialogue between the facilitators and the stakeholders in which the participants raised several

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issues and made some suggestions on the way forward. Interestingly, many of the participants already knew various methods of forest

management and its importance to community development and the environment. One participant from Dewoin District stated that they

have been practicing some forms of forest management long before the existence of the law on conservation. In fact, the participant, a

Paramount Chief, further stated that he and some elders had already instituted measures to conserve their forest in line with FDA

regulations. The chief stressed that their forefathers had also practiced conservation methods. According to him, their forefathers would

place a moratorium on activities such as fishing, farming, hunting and word harvesting in a particular forest area for either cultural reasons

or whenever they felt that such forest area and its inhabitants were endangered.

The participants expressed interest in the discussions, especially the management of the forest. They acknowledged the need for

sustainable forest management and welcomed the National Forestry Law and the various FDA regulations. They were also elated about the

formation of the BCFF. However, they raised some pertinent concerns and made some recommendations (these concerns and

recommendations are discussed under the succeeding headings).

ISSUES ARISING FROM THE WORKSHOPS

The participants at each of the workshops raised some concerns and made several recommendations. These concerns and

recommendations are as follow:

PARTICIPANTS’ CONCERNS:

Some of the participants fear that the community rights and benefit component of the Forestry law will not be scrupulously

implemented;

The participants stressed that for conservation policies and laws to be successful, the National Government should address the

overall issue of rural poverty in Liberia, especially issues of unemployment, food supply and basic services. They also said that

rural people need to be taught alternative ways of livelihood in all aspect of their daily lives because they mostly depend on the

forest for survival;

Participants were also concern about the enforcement of the law against pit sawyers. They stated that the regulations on the

operations pit sawyers is often not adhere to;

Participants also stated that getting permits from the FDA for the usage of the forest by the local people will be a cumbersome

process as the FDA is not represented in every district and clan;

The participants were concerned about wild animals that destroy their crops and attack people, especially since the law forbids

the unlawful killing of these animals. They want the FDA to speedily response whenever such situations arise;

Participants were also concern about issues of transparency and accountability in the disbursement and usage of funds to be

allocated to affected communities and to the proposed Country Forest Fund stipulated in the FDA regulations;

There were also concerns about the sustainability of the proposed Bomi County Forest Forum. Specifically, there were questions

about funding for the Forum’s operations. There were also concerns about the political will and support of local and national

leaders towards the operations of the BCFF.

PARTICIPANTS’ RECOMMENDATIONS:

That awareness workshops and consultations are conducted in the various clans within the districts on a regular basis;

That the National Government institute a program for training local people in alternative ways of agriculture – farming, fishery

and animal husbandry;

That the Government address the issue of rural poverty by creating job opportunities and prioritizing education;

That the FDA maintain representatives at the district level, and the forest forum also be initiated at the district and clan levels;

That the proposed Bomi County Forest Forum be given full support by local and national authorities, and the citizenry of Bomi

County;

That BCFF is comprised of committed people from all districts in Bomi County, and;

That the Government ensure that companies always fulfil their obligations to affected communities.

CONCLUSION

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The management of the forest will be sustainable if local communities are involved in the process. The management process should be a

participatory one involving all stakeholder groupings at various levels of society, including community, county and national stakeholders.

Greater participation of citizens in the management process is significant to the overall effectiveness of the National forestry law and the

various FDA regulations. As the participants stated during the workshops, regular consultations at all levels, especially involving affected

communities, are necessary in the sustainable management of the forest.

As such, the proposed County Forest Forum is a vital vehicle in initiating consultations at the community and county levels. Efforts should

also be made to create forest forums at the district and clan levels for efficiency and effectiveness in communication and consultations at

those levels; the lower level forums should work closely with the county forums. If they are composed correctly and made functional, these

forest forums will serve as strong partners of the FDA in the sustainable management of the forest in Liberia.

LIST OF WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTSFARMERS ASSOCIATED TO CONSERVE THE ENVIRONMENT (FACE)

Bomi County Forest Forum workshop for Sinjeh District – August 13, 2010

Attendance Record

No. NAME REPRESENTED GROUP ADDRESS

1 Etoe Johnson Farmers’ Association Tubmanburg

2 William Gibson EPA Tubmanburg

3 Ben Sayeh FDA Tubmanburg

4 Jonathan Savice MIA Tubmanburg

5 Samuel S. Sherman District Commissioner office Beajah

6 Mamie Kendu Women Group Gayhill

7 Christina Wilson Women Group Gayhill

8 Blama Siafa Sackie Town Sackie Town

9 Otis Z. Sherman Forest Community Weakama

10 Boikai Gbellay CBO/Forest community Dealee

11 Gbellay Luman Private Land Owners Zaymean Town

12 Charles kaihon Charcoal burner Baimah

13 Edward Sirleaf Miner Baimah

14 Sando Blama Charcoal burner Baima

15 Robert Sengbeh Forest community Voko

16 Majalee Whelma Pit sawyer Be Mole

17 Amos Gbellay MOA Tubmanburg

18 Bendo Sando Women Group Bete

19 Mary Nakor Charcoal burner Gbalakpa

20 Mark Kumeh Farmer Gbaamu

FARMERS ASSOCIATED TO CONSERVE THE ENVIRONMENT (FACE)Bomi County Forest Forum workshop for Klay & Dewoin District – August 14, 2010

Attendance Record

No. NAME REPRESENTED GROUP ADDRESS

1 Boakai Sarnor Private land owners Dewoin District

2 David A. Moore Dewoin

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3 Junior Coleman Youth Klay District

4 C. Hawa Tarr Rural Women Dewoin

5 Varney Gbon Farmers’ Association Dewoin

6 Alieu Dorley DDC/CBO Dewoin

7 Martha Payne Women Dewoin

8 Morris Sando Forest Community Klay

9 John Sirleaf Miner Klay

10 Mayou Fahnbulleh Pit sawyer Dewoin

11 Esther Cooper Youth Klay

12 Tata James Women Group Klay

13 Lorpu Kanneh Women Group Dewoin

14 Edwin Kpingbai Commissioner Office Klay

15 Bai Swaray Charcoal burner Klay

16 Konah karnley Wood harvester Klay

17 Ansu Varmah Pit sawyer Dewoin

18 Jusu Bayour Farmers group Klay

19 Alieu Karn Forest community Dewoin

20 David S. Fully Youth Klay

21 Momo Bodallah Mana clan Klay

22 Augustine Maritime Charcoal burner Klay

23 Momo Paegar Miner Klay

24 Mamah Bamadia Commissioner Office Dewoin

25 Peter S. Vincent Local leader Klay

26 Francis Andrews Youth Dewoin

27 Momolu Fahn Furnisher maker Klay

28 Cecelia Bomai Women Dewoin

29 Boimah Musa Forest community Dewoin

30 Samuel Johnson Miner Dewoin

FARMERS ASSOCIATED TO CONSERVE THE ENVIRONMENT (FACE)Bomi County Forest Forum workshop for Suehn Mecca District – August 20, 2010

Attendance Record

No. NAME REPRESENTED GROUP ADDRESS

1 Massa Dorley Women Maka

2 Ma Bee Chea Women Maka

3 Varfee Dorley Commissioner office MAKA

4 Boakai Siryon Paramount Chief Big Geveh

5 Varfee Sirleaf Youth Gbai Town

6 Abulai Sirleaf Miner Semgbe Town

7 Momolu Mcgill Pit sawyer Maka

8 A.B. Kanneh Local leader Big Geveh

9 William Sirleaf Forest community Garu Town

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10 Molly Nyehn Youth Small Geveh

11 Domah Hill Local community Gbongo Town

12 Ma Zoe Vaigee Women Sengbe Town

13 Bendu Sirleaf Youth Karngba

14 Varney Domie Charcoal burner Sugo

15 Amara Dorn Miner Barota

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Annex III: DRAFT CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS Of BOMI COUNTY FOREST FORUM (BCFF)

ARTICLE IName of Organization

The official name of this organization shall be “Bomi County Forest Forum”, with the acronym “BCFF”.ARTICLE IIPurpose

Section 1

The main purpose of the Bomi County Forum (BCFF) is to enhance the process of sustainable forest management in Bomi County through the promotion of the New Forestry Reform Law of 2006 and other relevant laws and regulations.

Section 2

The BCFF shall seek to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of forest resources; promote the rights and participation of local communities in decision-making about forest matters; and carry out activities that would promote forest and environmental conservation.

ARTICLE IIIMembership Eligibility and Selection

Section 1Membership to the BCFF shall be based on representation from all four districts of Bomi County.

Section 2Representation shall take into account major stakeholders such as District Commissioners, farming associations, women Groups, Community forest management groups/ forest related CBOs, private forest land owners, chiefs and elders of communities adjacent to the forest, loggers, miners and coal burners.

Section 3The composition of members with voting rights on the Forum shall be odd numbered to ensure smooth decision-making based on vote cast.

Section 4Members of the BCFF shall be selected by elections or consensus based on consultation with the aforementioned stakeholder groups. The tenure of membership on the BCFF shall be five years. An individual can, however, be re-elected or reselected.

Section 5Membership to the BCFF shall also be extended to relevant Government regulatory agencies. Individuals representing regulatory agencies shall be nominated by their principals and shall serve at the will and pressure of those nominating principals.

Section 6Representatives of regulatory agencies shall serve as technical advisors with no voting rights on the BCFF.

ARTICLE IVLeadership and Duties of Officer

Section 1The BCFF shall comprise the following officials:

A. CHAIRPERSON

Duties:i. Spearhead the execution of the organization’s overall goals and objectives;

ii. Call regular meetings of the organization, and preside over deliberations at those meetings;

iii. Serve as spokesperson of the organization;

iv. Maintain close ties with stakeholders in the various districts and partners;

v. Represent the organization at meetings with partners and other stakeholders;

vi. Appoint persons to positions within the BCFF;

vii. Perform other tasks designated by the membership

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B. VICE CHAIRPERSON

Duties:i. Assist the Chairperson where necessary;

ii. Perform the duties of the Chairperson in his/her absence;

iii. Perform other task as may be assigned

C. SECRETARY

Duties:i. Keep minutes during deliberations of the BCFF;

ii. Serve as custodian of the organization properties and non-monetary assets;

iii. Supervise the planning, implementation and monitoring of the BCFF’s programs in consultation with the Chairperson;

iv. Prepare periodic narrative reports on the BCFF’s activities

v. Perform other tasks as may be assigned

D. TREASURER

Duties:i. Supervise the planning, implementation and monitoring of the BCFF’s fundraising and financial activities;

ii. Serve as custodian of the organization’s fund through proper accounting and banking principals in consultation with the Chairperson;

iii. Prepare periodic financial reports;

iv. Perform other assigned tasks

E. ASSISTANT SECRETARY

Duties:i. Assist the Secretary in performing his/her duties;

ii. Perform the duties of the Secretary in his/her absence;

iii. Perform other assigned tasks

Section 2The forum shall create other positions and committees necessary to its smooth operations, provided that the new positions created are not more than four. The Chairperson shall have the responsibility to create and appoint persons to these new positions with the consent of the majority of the membership.

ARTICLE V

Elections, Eligibility, Tenure and Removal of Officers

Section 1Elections of officers of the BCFF shall be based on a simple majority vote of the membership.

Section 2The positions of Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary shall be occupied through elections. All other positions shall be based on appointment by the Chairperson with the consent of the membership of the BCFF

Section 3All members of the BCFF shall be eligible for election of any position. However, an individual occupying a position shall seek re-election only once

Section 4

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If the Chairperson resign or is incapacitated for any reason, the Vice Chairperson shall occupy the chairpersonship until an election is conducted. The Vice Chairperson shall also occupy the position of Treasurer should there be a vacancy in that post. The Assistant Secretary shall become Secretary should there be a vacancy in that post.

Section 5Elections shall be conducted within two months whenever there is a vacancy within the organization.

Section 6The tenure of all positions in the BCFF shall be three years. Accordingly, elections shall be conducted every three years.

Section 7Any officer of the BCFF can be removed for a cause by 2/3 of the membership. The affected person shall be duly informed of the reason(s) for removal and be given the opportunity to defend himself/herself at a meeting of the Forum before any decision can be taken.

ARTICLE VIMeeting and Decision-Making

Section 1

The medium of deliberations within the Forum shall be meetings of the membership. The Forum shall hold general meetings every month at any place of its choice. The Chairperson shall also call emergency meetings, if the need arises. Members should be duly notified of all meetings through written citation, phone calls or text messages.

Section 2

Decisions within the Forum shall be reached by consensus. However, in the event where it becomes difficult to reach a consensus, the Chairperson shall put the issue to vote, whereby a decision can be made by 2/3 of the membership with voting rights. Thirteen persons shall constitute a quorum for deliberation on any matter, provided that at least fifteen voting members were given prior notice of the meeting.

ARTICLE VIIFinance and Fundraising

Section 1

The BCFF shall conduct fundraising activities for its operations.

Section 2

The organization shall develop a strategic plan which should be revised regularly, and a financial policy to regulate financial transactions. The organization shall also create a bank account and develop a work plan and budget on an annual basis.

Section 3

Moneys of the organization shall be kept in a bank, with the Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary as signatories to the bank account.

ARTICLE VIIIAffiliation

Section 1

The BCFF shall work in collaborations with the County authorities, FDA and its relevant auxiliaries, other relevant Government agencies, civil society organizations. The Forum should also work closely with local communities and stakeholder groups with in the county.

ARTICLE IXAmendments

Section 1

Any member of the BCFF can propose changes to the Constitution and Bylaws. Such proposed changes should be communicated in writing to the Chairperson. The Chairperson must provide the proposed changes to all members during three consecutive general meetings or for a period no less than 60 days prior to a vote.

Section 2

Voting on Constitution and Bylaws amendments shall take place at a general meeting.

Section 3

Passage of The Constitution and Bylaws amendment shall require a two-thirds majority vote of the voting members present.

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Annex IV: Guidelines Term of Reference of the Bomi County Forest Forum

I. BACKGROUND

In preparation for the establishment of the National Forest Program platform, the FDA and its partners envisioned the establishment of a National Forest Forum and 15 County Forest Forums (CFFs). The County Forest Forums are intended to include stakeholders from all levels of each county. The establishment of the CFFs is a significant step towards the enhancement of sustainable forest management in Liberia.

Accordingly, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) contracted the Farmers Associated to Conserve the Environment (FACE) to provide technical support for the preparation and establishment of a Forest Forum for Bomi County.

FACE conducted a stakeholder identification and analysis study which identified several stakeholders of forest issues in Bomi County at the chiefdom, district and county levels. The stakeholders were categorized into ten major groups.

Subsequently, FACE in collaboration with the local authorities and elders selected a total of sixty-five (65) representatives of the stakeholder groups identified during the study for series of consultative and awareness workshops. The purpose of the workshops was to sensitize the various stakeholders on issues of sustainable forest management as well as key issues in the National Forestry Law of 2006 and the various FDA regulations relating to sustainable forest management in Liberia. The workshops were also intended for consultations with the stakeholders on issues of sustainable forest management and the proposed Bomi County Forest Forum.

Further Consultations with stakeholders including local authorities and elders in the various districts are ongoing to select seventeen of the sixty-five stakeholders who participated in the awareness workshops. The seventeen individuals that would be selected through these consultations shall become the initial members of the Bomi County Forest Forum; afterwards membership to the Forum shall be determined through elections.

II. OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the BCFF is to enhance the process of sustainable forest management in Bomi County through the promotion of the New Forestry Reform Law of 2006 and other relevant laws and regulations. By this, the BCFF will seek to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of forest resources; promote the rights and participation of local communities in decision-making about forest matters; and carry out activities that would promote forest and environmental conservation.

III. MEMBERSHIP/COMPOSITION

The Bomi County Forest Forum (BCFF) comprises a total of seventeen (17) members: thirteen (13) representatives of stakeholder groups from all four districts of Bomi County, and four (4) representatives of relevant Government regulatory agencies operating at the County level. The Stakeholder groups which shall become members of the BCFF include District Commissioners, farming associations, women Groups, Community forest management groups/ forest related CBOs, private forest land owners, chiefs and elders of communities adjacent to the forest, loggers, miners and coal burners. Senjeh District is represented by four persons, while the other three districts are represented by three persons each.

The four regulatory agencies forming part of the BCFF include the FDA Regional/local Office, EPA Local Office, Ministry of Agriculture Local Office, and the Office of the Development Superintendent/Ministry of Internal Affairs Local Office. However, representatives of these regulatory agencies serve on the Forum only as technical advisors with no voting rights.

The BCFF comprises a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson, a Secretary and a Treasurer. These positions will be occupied through the conduct of elections amongst the membership of the Forum. The forum shall create other positions and committees necessary to its smooth operations, provided that the new positions created are not more than two. The Chairperson has the responsibility to create and appoint persons to these new positions with the consent of the majority of the membership with voting rights. The eligibility criterion, term of office, duties and functions of positions within the Forum is detailed in the Forum’s Constitution.

IV. FORMATION DETAILS AND TERM OF MEMBERSHIP

The initial members of the BCFF are selected through a process of consultation and recommendations from stakeholder groups within the four districts. Thereafter, membership to the Forum will be determined through elections. All members of the forum, except representatives of regulatory agencies serve for a period of five (5) years. Representatives of regulatory agencies shall remain members as long as they are assigned in Bomi County and enjoy the confidence of their leaders who are responsible to nominate them.

V. RESPONSIBILITIES

The main responsibilities of the BCFF include:

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1. Meeting regularly to discuss issues and develop strategies for ensuring the sustainability of the forest for the development of their people and communities;

2. Monitoring the management and usage of the forest and the utilization of proceeds thereof in order to ensure compliance with the New Forestry Law of 2006 and the various FDA regulations; and ensure accountability and transparency in forest resources management. It is also the duty of the BCFF to report violations and violators to the FDA;

3. Assisting in the settlement of disputes emanating from the management and usage of the forest amongst local communities and between local communities, and holders of forest management contracts as well as other legal forest users;

4. Educating local communities on the importance of forest and environmental conservation;

5. Representing Bomi County at the National Forest Forum and other national forest programs; and participate in decision-making about forest issues;

6. Promoting National policies and programs relating to forest management; and

7. Raising fund for the operations of the Forum.

VI. GOVERNANCE/DECISION-MAKING

Decisions within the Forum are reached by consensus. However, in the event where it becomes difficult to reach a consensus, the Chairperson shall put the issue to vote, whereby a decision can be made by 2/3 of the membership with voting rights. Nine persons constitute a quorum for deliberation on any matter, provided that at least ten members with voting rights were given prior notice of the meeting.

VII. RESOURCES AND BUDGET

The BCFF will maintain an office in Tubmanburg and will raise funds for its operations. Sources of funding and fund raising activities will be detailed in a five –year strategic plan for the forum.

VIII. COMMUNICATION/REPORTING

The medium of deliberations within the Forum is meetings of the membership. These meetings should be called at a regular interval. The Forum can set a specific time for its meetings. The Chairperson can also call emergency meetings, if the need arises. Members should be duly notified of all meetings through written citation, phone calls or text messages.

The Forum reports to the FDA or its designated auxiliaries such as the NFP, NMSC and the NFF.

IX. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER GROUPS

The BCFF should work in collaborations with the County authorities, FDA and its relevant auxiliaries, other relevant Government agencies, civil society organizations. The Forum should also work closely with local communities and stakeholder groups with in the county.

X. RELATED POLICIES/LAWS

The Forum is guided by its Constitution, the New Forestry Law of 2006, and the Community Rights Law of 2009 with respect to forest lands. Additionally, the Forum is closely guided by the various FDA regulations.

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ANNEX V: STRATEGIC PLANNING REPORT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe Bomi County Forest Forum (BCFF) Strategic Plan is aimed at providing guidance for the organization for the next five years, after which time a revision of this plan could be carryout. The plan allows for other policy documents such as an operational plan, a management guidelines and financial policy that would serve as supplementary documents to it.The BCFF Strategic Plan was developed through a two-day brainstorming process involving its membership. The brainstorming process provided valuable raw data upon which this strategic plan is written.

This plan contains items such as the BCFF’s vision and mission statements; its goals and strategic objectives; general assumptions and risks as well as guides for resource generation and monitoring and control. In striving to ensure sustainable forest management and the rights of affected communities in securing their just benefits from the sale of forest resources in Liberia, the BCFF will promote accountability, transparency and popular participation in the management and usage of forest resources in Bomi County through advocacy, education and other demonstrable projects. The BCFF proposes to fulfill its mission, goals and objectives in accordance with its cherished values –

Accountability, Transparency, Integrity, equity and Hard Work.The full implementation of this Strategic Plan will enable the BCFF make enormous impact in the fulfillment of its mission, goals and Strategic Objectives. All organizational policy documents should be developed in compliance with this Strategic Plan. This Strategic Plan is not in violation of the BCFF Constitution and term of reference. All of these documents along with policies to be developed should work in harmony for the smooth operations of the BCFF.

Furthermore, financial, technical and logistical assistance is needed for the scrupulous implementation of this plan. The resource generation component of this plan identifies means and sources for soliciting assistance for the organization’s work. The monitoring and control component of this plan guides the BCFF in developing an effective monitoring and evaluation system that will measure the impact of the organization’s work and foster organizational learning through experience.

BACKGROUNDThe Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) contracted the Farmers Associated to Conserve the Environment (FACE) to provide technical support for the preparation and establishment of the Bomi County Forest Forum.

The concept of the County Forest Forum (CFF) was envisioned by the FDA, FAO and the National Forest Program Facility in their bid to support the smooth operation of the National Forest Forum (NFF) by including stakeholders from the county, district and chiefdom levels. The CFF is being established in all 15 counties of Liberia. FACE conducted a stakeholder identification and analysis study which identified several stakeholders of forest issues in Bomi County at the chiefdom, district and county levels. The stakeholders were categorized into ten major groups.

Subsequently, FACE in collaboration with the local authorities and elders selected a total of sixty-five (65) representatives of the stakeholder groups identified during the study for series of consultative and awareness workshops. The purpose of the workshops was to sensitize the various stakeholders on issues of sustainable forest management as well as key issues in the National Forestry Law of 2006 and the various FDA regulations relating to sustainable forest management in Liberia. The workshops were also intended for consultations with the stakeholders on issues of sustainable forest management and the proposed Bomi County Forest Forum.

Further Consultations with stakeholders including local authorities and elders in the various districts were carried out to select twenty of the sixty-five stakeholders who participated in the awareness workshops. The twenty individuals who were selected through these consultations are the initial members of the Bomi County Forest Forum.

After the selection of the members of the BCFF, FACE facilitated a two-day strategic planning session involving the entire BCFF membership. The content of this strategic plan is a direct product of two days of brainstorming activities involving members of the BCFF. The operational plan annexed to this strategic plan details activities and results necessary to the fulfilment of the goals and objectives outlined in this strategic plan. The BCFF will develop other supplementary policies intended for the full actualization of this strategic plan.

VISIONThe Bomi County Forest Forum strives to ensure sustainable forest management and the rights of affected communities in securing their just benefits from the sale of forest resources in Liberia.

MISSIONThe BCFF is a community based organization that seeks to promote accountability, transparency and popular participation in the management and usage of forest resources in Bomi County through advocacy, education and other demonstrable projects.

GOALS AND STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

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The BCFF has the following goals and corresponding strategic objectives:GOAL 1: To ensure accountability and transparency in the management of forest resources.

Strategic Objective 1.1: To advocate the scrupulous application and adherence of the New Forestry Reform Law of 2006 and other relevant FDA regulationsStrategic Objective 1.2: To monitor the management and usage of forest resources

GOAL 2: To ensure sustainable forest management through popular participationStrategic Objective 2.1: To increase public awareness on the benefits of sustainable forest management and the consequences of bad management of the forestStrategic Objective 2.2: To increase popular awareness and participation in the various FDA conservation strategies

GOAL 3: To promote peace and stability in the management of the forest.Strategic Objective 3.1: To prevent disputes and facilitate the settlement of disputes emanating from the management and usage of the forest amongst local communities and between local communities, and holders of forest management contracts as well as other legal forest users.

VALUEThe BCFF is established on the following values:

Accountability

Transparency

Integrity

equity

Hard work

GENERAL ASSUMPTIONSThe following general assumptions underpin the BCFF Strategic Plan:

1. The cooperation and support of the FDA, the officials and people of Bomi County, relevant Government agencies, companies and relevant local and international organizations;

2. The political will to scrupulously implement the forestry law and the various FDA regulations;

3. Reasonable financial and logistical support for the BCFF operations; and

4. The full establishment and the active functioning of the National Forest Forum.

RISKSThe following risks are assumed in the BCFF Strategic Plan:

1. No funding for the BCFF operations;

2. Lack of cooperation from local officials and relevant government agencies; and

3. Low commitment of BCFF members.

RESOURCE GENERATIONUndoubtedly, the BCFF needs financial and other resources for its operations. Hence, the BCFF will mainly finance its operations through several fundraising activities targeting the Government, local and international NGOs, private individuals, companies and embassies. In addition to other fundraising strategies, the BCFF will write grant proposals to potential donors to carry out its activities.

MONITORING AND CONTROLIn order to measure the impact of its planned activities and determine lessons learnt, the BCFF will continuously compare actual performance with planned activities, using specific indicators. The lessons learnt will be used to update plans and provide the basis for learning through experience.

CONCLUSIONEven though the implementation of this plan will have some challenges, the BCFF believes that its scrupulous implementation will create a positive impact on the management of the forest in Bomi County and substantially influence the process of sustainable forest management in Liberia. The BCFF’s vision and mission as stated in this plan are aimed at promoting sustainable forest management in Liberia as well as providing equity in the distribution of benefits from the sale of forest resources.Sustainable forest management will greatly foster Liberia’s process of growth and development as well as protect our forest and environment for posterity. This strategic plan provides a conduit for promoting the sustainable management of our forest and environment.Hence, the full support of the Government of Liberia and its international partners as well as the leadership and people of Bomi County, companies and non-governmental organizations is crucial for the successful implementation of this plan.

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OPERATIONAL PLANGOAL 1: To ensure accountability and transparency in the management of forest resources.Strategic Objective 1.1: To advocate the scrupulous application and adherence of the New Forestry Reform Law of 2006 and other relevant FDA regulationsKEY ACTIVITIES OUTPUT TIME FRAME RISKSHold meetings with all relevant stakeholder including organizations and individuals in support of the implementation of the laws

Meetings minutes Throughout the life span of the strategic plan

Lack of funding

Organize and hold radio discussions and town hall meetings in support of the laws

MoA with Radio stations & recording of radio discussion.

Three times every quarter throughout the lifespan of the strategic plan

Lack of funding

Prepare occasional press releases and institute other media campaign in support of the laws

The laws supported through press releases and other media campaigns

Continual throughout the life of the strategic plan

Lack of funding

Strategic Objective 1.2: To monitor the management and usage of forest resourcesKEY ACTIVITIES OUTPUT TIME FRAME RISKS

Conduct periodic field trips to forest communities and operational areas

Field trip report Continual throughout the life of the strategic plan

Lack of funding

Regularly peruse forest related documents and electronic databases

Report of document review process

Continual throughout the life of the strategic plan

Lack of cooperation from relevant agencies

Conduct community meetings and interviews with stakeholders

Meetings and interview held

Continual throughout the life of the strategic plan

Lack of funding

GOAL 2: To ensure sustainable forest management through popular participationStrategic Objective 2.1: To increase public awareness on the benefits of sustainable forest management and the consequences of bad management of the forest

KEY ACTIVITIES OUTPUT TIME FRAME RISKSPrepare awareness and educational strategies and messages for outreach activities.

Copies of strategy for awareness raising and education prepared.

During the first three months of the implementation of this plan

Lack of funding and limited capacity.

Conduct public awareness campaign using radio programs.

Ongoing radio programs on benefits of sustainable forest management.

Continual throughout the life of the strategic plan

Lack of funding

Conduct awareness using town hall meetings in the various communities

Town hall meetings minutes

Continual throughout the life of the strategic plan

Lack of funding

Hold educational workshops for community leaders and other stakeholders

Stakeholders Workshop report

Twice every year throughout the lifespan of the strategic plan

Lack of funding

Strategic Objective 2.2: To increase popular awareness and participation in the various FDA conservation strategiesKEY ACTIVITIES OUTPUT TIME FRAME RISKSPrepare awareness and educational materials for outreach activities

Awareness and educational materials prepared

During the first three months of the implementation of this plan

Lack of funding

Conduct public awareness employing radio programs

Radio programs conducted Continual throughout the life of the strategic plan

Lack of funding

Conduct awareness town hall meetings in the various communities

Town hall meetings held Continual throughout the life of the strategic plan

Lack of funding

Hold educational workshops for community leaders and other stakeholders

Workshop for stakeholders held

Continual throughout the life of the strategic plan

Lack of funding

GOAL 3: To promote peace and stability in the management of the forest.Strategic Objective 3.1: To prevent disputes and facilitate the settlement of disputes emanating from the management and usage of the forestKEY ACTIVITIES OUTPUT TIME FRAME RISKSDevelop a conduit for reporting grievances and disputes from the communities

A medium Created for the reporting of grievances and disputes

During the first three months of the operation of this plan

Hold town hall meetings to promote peace and stability

Peace promotion meetings minutes

Continual throughout the life of the strategic plan

Lack of funding

Prepare mechanisms for the settlement of disputes

Copy of specific mechanisms developed

During the first six months of the operation of this plan

Lack of funding

Conduct community meetings for the settlement of disputes

Community meetings for the settlement of disputes minutes.

Continual throughout the life of the strategic plan

Lack of funding

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Annex 6: List of BCFF Members

Name Represented Stakeholder Group DistrictSando D. Folley Private forest owner SinjehMusa Sheriff Charcoal burners SinjehVictor B. Johnson District office SinjehBartu Blama Rural Women SinjehOtis Z. Sherman Forest communities SinjehLarmine Gray Distrct office KlayPeter S. Vincent Local chiefs KlayMomo Bodallah Forest communities KlayKonah Karnley Rural women KlayDavid S. Fully Youth groups KlayVarney G. Burphy District office DewoinMana Bamadia Local chiefs DewoinC. Hawa Tarr Rural Women DewoinMartha Payne Youth DewoinVarney Gbon Farmers association DewoinBeatrice Chea Rural women Suehn-MeccaMohammed A. Kamara Forest community Suehn-MeccaVarfee Dorley District office Suehn-MeccaMomolu Mcgill Pit sawyers Suehn-MeccaAdama Dorley Miners Suehn-Mecca

Advisory Agencies1. Representative – Forestry Development Authority (FDA), Bomi County2. Representative – Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) , Bomi County3. Representative – Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Bomi County4. Representative – Bomi County Farmers Cooperative5. Representative – Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), Bomi County