MONROVIA- The Platform for Dialogue and Peace (P4DP) convened a one day Green City Initiative in the Lakpazee Swamp Community, urging residents to view environmental protection as both a civic duty and a pathway to peace.
By Jaheim T. tumu-jaheim.tumu@frontpageafricaonline.com
Making the opening remarks, Program Manager Kennedy K. Berrian stressed that safeguarding the swamp is inseparable from protecting livelihoods, health, and community harmony.
“The future of Lakpazee depends on the choices we make today. Protecting our swamp is not only about protecting nature; it is about protecting livelihoods, public health, community harmony, and the future of our children,” Barrain said
He added, “Sustainable communities are built when people come together to solve problems through dialogue and collective action. “
The initiative aligns with coastal and climate resilience efforts in Liberia, including regional conservation approaches supported by Conservation International and Sweden backed programs focused on mangrove protection, sustainable fisheries, and marine ecosystem resilience.
Held under the theme “Protect Our Swamp Community, Protect Our Future,” the event brought diverse voices together to discuss environmental protection, sanitation, mangrove conservation, and peaceful community action in one of Monrovia’s most vulnerable communities.
Residents spoke about pollution, poor waste disposal, open defecation, and the cutting of mangrove trees.
Swamp dweller Marie Flomo described how flooding worsens when garbage blocks waterways.
“When the rain falls, dirty water enters our homes because the swamp is blocked with garbage. We complain about flooding, but sometimes we are part of the problem. Today has helped us understand that protecting the swamp starts with us. “
Fishmonger Cecelia Somah explained the difficulty of balancing livelihoods with conservation, noting that families depend on mangrove wood but risk losing resources for future generations.
“We depend on the swamp and the mangrove wood to support our families. But if the trees continue to disappear, our children will suffer. We need alternatives that can help us preserve both our businesses and the environment”, she said.
Police officer Sgt. Richard W. Togar linked environmental neglect to community disputes, pointing out that sanitation issues often escalate into conflicts.
“Many disputes we handle come from sanitation issues, blocked waterways, and disagreements over community spaces. When residents work together to keep their environment clean, they also strengthen peace and reduce tensions,” Segt. Togar disclosed.
Monrovia City Corporation representative, G. Darius B. Wlyee, emphasized that enforcement of ordinances must be matched by community ownership of sanitation efforts.
“Government regulations are important, but real change happens when communities decide to protect their own environment. Community ownership is the foundation of a cleaner and healthier city, “ he urged.
An officer from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlighted the ecological importance of mangroves, stressing their role in climate resilience and biodiversity.
“Mangroves help prevent flooding, reduce erosion, protect biodiversity, and support livelihoods. Their protection is critical for climate resilience and the long term wellbeing of urban communities.”
One symbolic moment was the planting of a tree in the yard of respected community leader Isaac K. Weede, dedicated as a future Dialogue Tree, inspired by Liberia’s tradition of resolving disputes “under the kola tree.”
For P4DP, the gesture reflects its peacebuilding model, which has supported the resolution of land and resource conflicts in Grand Gedeh and Sinoe Counties. Weede welcomed the initiative, describing the tree as a symbol of unity and dialogue.
“Today we planted more than a tree. We planted a symbol of unity, understanding, and peaceful dialogue. As this tree grows, we hope it will become a place where our children and future generations come together to settle differences and strengthen our community. “
Youth and women leaders pledged to continue awareness efforts. Motorcyclist Jeff S. Kweyeteh underscored the role of young people in leading by example.
“Young people must lead by example. If we keep our community clean and educate others, we can create lasting change. “
Women’s leader Massa Dennis stressed that women bear the brunt of flooding and poor sanitation, and must be central to environmental protection.
“Women are often the first to feel the impact of flooding, poor sanitation, and disease. We are ready to work with everyone to protect our environment and our families. “
The engagement concluded with a community march, awareness activities, and a collective commitment to promote cleaner surroundings, protect mangroves, and strengthen peaceful coexistence.
The Green City Initiative pilot demonstrated that environmental stewardship and peacebuilding are closely connected.
