The “Grand Mano” Priority conservation landscape diagnostic study report validation workshop hosted by Wetlands International Africa, The Forestry Development Authority-Liberia, and National Protected Area Authority-Sierra Leone, ended on a note of general satisfaction. This meeting was been held from 19th to 20th January 2021 at Dohas Hotel in Bo town, Sierra Leone.
The first day was marked by the opening ceremony presided over by the Resident Minister of the Southern Province, Mr. Mohamed E.K. ALIE in the presence of some thirty stakeholders from Sierra Leone and Liberia. After the review and lengthy exchanges, the Grand Mano Landscape Diagnostic report was validated subject to some amendments.
The reviewed report contents the following elements :
• The synthesis of existing works on mangroves within the landscape;
• The analysis of the evolution of mangrove areas in the landscape;
• The potential impact of the project within the Grand Mano landscape;
• The stakeholder’s analysis;
• The prioritization of the project’s main activities.
On the second day of the meeting, the exchanges focused on the composition of the national platforms, the setting up of the transboundary platform, and the process of elaborating the Grand Mano Landscape management master plan.
In conclusion, all the objectives have been achieved:
1. the diagnostic study report of the Grand Mano Priority conservation landscape have been reviewed, updated, and validated and;
2. relevant stakeholders have been identified and agreed on the landscape transboundary platform creation;
3. the development of a mangrove management master plan in the landscape have been discussed.
4. A roadmap has been set.
