Assessing the administrative and governance challenges in the implementation of CITES law enforcement in Sapo National Park in Liberia

Abstract

Trabajo Fin de Máster Propio. Directora: Dra. Mercedes Núñez Román ; Tutor: Mr. Antonio Galilea Jiménez. The Convention (CITES) is a global call to safeguard the world’s flora and fauna from anthropogenic actions with concerns about the depletion of biological diversity. Globally, biodiversity are under immense pressure from human activities including illegal mining, hunting, and trade in ivory and so forth. As a country rich in forest resources, Liberia signed unto CITES since 1981 to aid the fight against the threats on its biodiversity. Despite this effort, the threats on Liberia’s biodiversity still exist with actions needed. Established in 1983, Sapo National Park (SNP) is biologically rich and contains some of the Country’s endemic and rare species. Yet, the Park is under huge threats from human activities, something that has caught global attention. This thesis assessed the administrative and governance challenges in managing the SNP and how the potential challenges affect Liberia’s compliance with CITES regulations. It employed both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies: desk r/review of existing reports, administered questionnaires, field visit to 6 SNP communities and held Focal Group Discussions (FGDs) and a stakeholder workshop in Monrovia. This study found that SNP is being faced with numerous administrative and governance challenges. FDA human capacity at the SNP is limited to actually manage and control illegal entries within the 180,400 hectares of the Park. The Government of Liberia (GoL) budgetary allotment to FDA is relatively insufficient thereby affecting conservation activities. Additionally, SNP has infrastructural and logistical limitations. Inadequate law enforcement training for park rangers is also a challenge at SNP. Moreover, there are limited alternative livelihood options around the Park which mostly lead to illegal activities within the SNP. Increasing population around the SNP is one of the management challenges being faced as demand is placed on the natural environment to provide goods and services to sustain people.