Strengthening Ecological Connectivity in the Taï-Grebo-Sapo Complex
The Taï-Grebo-Sapo complex forms the largest continuous stretch of tropical rainforest within the Upper Guinean forest ecosystem. It harbours over a quarter of Africa’s mammal species, including 12 primate species and rare endemics such as the pygmy hippopotamus and forest elephant.
In Côte d’Ivoire, the complex includes Taï National Park and three adjacent protected forests: Cavally, Goin-Débé, and Haute-Dodo. In Liberia, it comprises Sapo National Park, Grebo National Forest, and several large forest concessions.
This vital transboundary ecosystem is increasingly threatened by fragmentation, especially along the border west of Taï National Park. Key drivers include agricultural expansion, deforestation, hunting, economic migration, weak governance, and unclear land tenure.
There is significant potential to enhance protection of this biodiversity hotspot through cross-border collaboration between conservation authorities.
In consortium with CORAF, the project supports government and civil society actors in Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia in their joint efforts to establish and protect an ecological corridor connecting these critical rainforest areas.
Disciplines
- Sustainable Natural Resources Management
- Skills and Economic Development
- Climate Action
Companies
Dorsch Impact GmbH
Client
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Duration
From 2015 to 2020
Location
Taï-Grebo-Sapo Complex , Liberia
Project Activities
Support informed local decision-making for a future ecological corridor between Tai National Park and Grebo Forest
Develop and implement a clear communication strategy and dialogue platforms at regional and national levels
Involve all relevant stakeholders: local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and scientists
Conduct gender-sensitive community consultations
Encourage and support voluntary local biodiversity conservation initiatives
Advise agencies on integrating biodiversity into regional development plans for the corridor and buffer zones
Conduct studies on socio-economic factors and alternative livelihoods
Pilot sustainable resource use practices with potential for scaling up
Support the inclusion of sustainable land use concepts in regional planning processes
Strengthen cross-border cooperation among protected area authorities, local governments, and civil society
Organise exchange meetings for sharing experiences
Develop and implement joint bi-national training sessions
Support collaborative bi-national activities in protected area management
Support Liberia’s Forest Development Authority (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in establishing Grebo National Park
Provide technical and legal advice for park designation, including necessary assessments
Assist in participatory development of a park management plan
Build FDA’s capacity to implement and manage the plan effectively
Contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
We are committed to making a positive impact and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This project contributes to the following SDGs:
Companies
