By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a bold step towards strengthening peace, sustainable livelihoods and cross-border cooperation, the Governments of Liberia and Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) representations in both countries, officially launched the GOLA-REAP (Resilience, Empowerment, Access and Peacebuilding) project. The launch event, held on Friday February 28, 2025 at Bo Waterside, Liberia, brought together Government officials, UN representatives, the Mano River Union Secretariat, local authorities, civil society organizations and community leaders.

The GOLA-REAP project aims to enhance social cohesion, improve border management, promote local governance and support climate-smart agriculture to mitigate conflict risks while fostering economic resilience. The project focuses on the Gola Forest Landscape, a shared ecosystem between Liberia and Sierra Leone that plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, local livelihoods  and regional trade.

Recognizing the need for strengthened cross-border collaboration, GOLA-REAP is backed by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), the UN’s primary financial instrument for conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The fund supports joint UN interventions that integrate development, humanitarian aid, human rights and peacebuilding efforts.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Morie Lengor, underscored the project’s alignment with national development initiatives.

“Sierra Leone’s 5 Big Game Changers and Feed Salone initiatives are more than just projects; they are a call to action for our communities to take ownership of sustainable resource management. By strengthening cross-border collaboration, we are fostering peace, resilience and economic empowerment for the people of Sierra Leone and Liberia,” he stated.

UN Resident Coordinator for Sierra Leone, Seraphine Wakana, acknowledged Liberia’s role in hosting the event and emphasized the region’s strategic importance.

“Grand Cape Mount County plays a crucial role in regional peacebuilding efforts, essential for the development of both countries,” Seraphine Wakana remarked. “The boundary between Sierra Leone and Liberia signifies a shared past, present and future—a future we must shape together. Importantly, the boundary represents shared peace.”

The implementation of GOLA-REAP will be led jointly by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Food Programme (WFP), in close partnership with national Governments and local authorities. Regional institutions such as the Mano River Union (MRU), civil society organizations and community representatives will play a pivotal role in the project’s execution.

The initiative has received widespread support from policymakers and peace advocates, who recognize its potential to sustain peace and security in the region. Edward K. Mulbah, Liberia’s Deputy Minister for Research and Development Planning, highlighted the project's resilience-building aspects.

“The Gola Forest is a shared heritage and a pillar of peace, security and economic resilience between our two nations. This initiative affirms our commitment to sustainable development and regional cooperation,” Edward K.Mulbah emphasized.

GOLA-REAP builds on the success of the PBF’s previous cross-border peacebuilding projects implemented between 2021 and 2024 in Sierra Leone and Guinea. Under these initiatives, WFP and IOM worked with Governments to strengthen civil institutions and develop evidence-based policies for conflict resolution, particularly addressing tensions between cattle herders and crop farmers in border areas.

By fostering collaboration between local communities, forest rangers, border authorities and national Governments, the project aims to prevent and resolve community conflicts while advancing sustainable resource management in the Gola Forest Landscape.

UN Resident Coordinator for Liberia, Christine N. Umutoni, reinforced the project’s transformative vision.

“Through GOLA-REAP, we have a unique opportunity to make the Gola Forest a lasting legacy; not just as a protected area, but as a model of cross-border peacebuilding, cooperation and shared prosperity,” Christine N. Umutoni stated. “Let us seize this moment, work together and turn our shared vision into reality.”

Local leaders echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of conservation and community engagement. Lawrence V. Sherbo, Commissioner of Liberia’s Kongba District, voiced a commitment to environmental protection.

“This forest is our heritage,” Lawrence Sherbo declared. “We must protect it for generations to come.”

The launch of GOLA-REAP marks a critical milestone in cross-border peacebuilding, setting a foundation for regional stability, sustainable economic development and environmental stewardship in Liberia and Sierra Leone.