Liberia is endowed with rich biodiversity, unique ecosystems, and stunning natural landscapes. Its natural capital includes over 40% of the remaining Upper Guinean Rainforest, extensive river systems, wetlands, mangroves, and a vibrant coastline. These ecosystems support a wide range of endemic and endangered species, such as the pygmy hippopotamus, forest elephants, and western chimpanzees. Liberia’s forests also play a critical role in regional climate regulation and carbon sequestration, making them globally significant for climate action.
In addition to its ecological value, Liberia’s natural resources present untapped opportunities for sustainable investment. Sectors such as ecotourism, sustainable forestry, carbon finance, and renewable energy offer potential for green growth, job creation, and community development. However, these assets remain under-documented and under-promoted, limiting their contribution to national development and global conservation efforts. This underrepresentation hinders the country’s ability to harness its ecological assets for sustainable economic growth, climate resilience, and community development.
To address the visibility and knowledge gap surrounding Liberia’s natural assets, the Government of Liberia, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other partners, is leading the development of a flagship publication titled, the Atlas of the Natural Beauty and Wonders of Liberia. This nationwide initiative is funded by UNDP and scheduled to be implemented over a three (3)-months period, will document and showcase Liberia’s most valuable ecological and cultural landscapes. The Atlas aims to position Liberia’s natural heritage as both a driver of national development and a priority for global conservation.
The publication is expected to be launched at the 30th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to be held in Brazil. It is envisioned as a high-impact advocacy and promotional tool to elevate Liberia’s environmental profile on the international stage and mobilize support for nature-based solutions, climate action, and sustainable green investment.
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