Monrovia, Liberia –February 5, 2026 – The Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) have entered into a twelve-month Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing the Co-Management Committee (CMC) of the East Nimba Nature Reserve (ENNR). This partnership emphasizes a mutual commitment to the effective management and conservation of one of Liberia's vital biodiversity areas.

The initial MOU included a budget of $168,504 USD, allocated to support 23 activities over the year. This included funding for logistics, maintenance, patrol rations, uniforms, stipends, and cleaning of park boundaries. Within the initial two months, the ENNR-CMC received $43,620 USD, which was directed toward priority activities.

Building on the success of the initial agreement, the new FDA/AML MOU for 2026–2027 has been approved with a budget of $124,394 USD. This amount has been carefully calculated to facilitate timely and effective implementation of biodiversity conservation efforts and sustainable management of the Nimba landscape.

Stakeholder Perspectives:

John Murray, Head of AML’s Environmental Department, expressed satisfaction with the MOU, highlighting its role in protecting endangered species and addressing community pressures related to logging. He reaffirmed AML's dedication to collaborating with the CMC to enhance training and support for sustainable conservation practices.

Mr. Saye Thompson, Chairman of ENNR/CMC, praised AML's ongoing support for biodiversity initiatives since 2010. He welcomed the new MOU and called for a comprehensive strategy to tackle environmental issues in community forests adjacent to the ENNR.

Rudolph J. Merab, Sr., Managing Director of FDA, emphasized the critical need for transparency, accountability, and equitable benefit-sharing in forest governance. He stated that conservation efforts must improve local livelihoods to gain legitimacy and urged AML to assist in funding EcoGuards, reforestation, and livelihood programs.

Key objectives outlined include:

- Strengthening co-management structures and expanding the presence of EcoGuards.

- Aligning mining operations with conservation commitments.

- Ensuring transparency in benefit-sharing and encouraging community participation.

- Promoting reforestation efforts to sustain forest canopy and enhance carbon credit value.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives from the FDA, AML, CMC, the Liberia Conservation Fund (LCF), and the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation (WCF). Discussions culminated in a vote of thanks and a shared vision for balanced development, integrating conservation efforts, corporate responsibility, and community welfare.