By: Karino Teah – karinoreah@gmail.com
LIBERIA – Dr. Annika Hillers, Country Director of the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation at Sapo National Park, has raised grave concerns over the future of Liberia’s largest protected area – warning that illegal mining activities in the forest are severely damaging the park and threatening its rich biodiversity.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, April 20, 2025, Dr. Hillers expressed fears that if immediate action is not taken, both Liberia and the world could lose the Sapo National Park to random and terrible illegal mining activities.
“Since I assumed the role as Country Director, I have witnessed the growing challenges facing the park. The situation has reached a national and international crisis. The world is angry, and we are at risk of losing the park and its invaluable resources,” she stated.
According to Dr. Hillers, illegal miners have taken over large portions of the park, scaring away its wildlife and making it increasingly difficult for park rangers to maintain control. “Our rangers can no longer manage the influx of miners. The Sapo is rich in natural heritage, but we might lose everything if urgent steps are not taken,” she added.
Local residents, facing economic hardships, have turned to the park for survival, engaging in gold mining and wildlife hunting. Some have even renamed the central area of the park “New America,” symbolizing a land of opportunity.
While some argue that the park offers a means of livelihood, conservationists warn that such activities are unsustainable and will ultimately destroy the ecosystem.
In response to the concerns, Sinoe County Superintendent Peter Wleh Nyenswah who recently visited the park headquarters in Jalay Town, Waccaba District promised to engage the national government to bolster security efforts and ensure better protection for Sapo National Park.
Superintendent Nyenswah assured Dr. Hillers that steps would be taken to rescue the park and preserve its future.
Dr. Hillers emphasized that while local authorities have a critical role to play, international and national partners stand ready to support efforts aimed at saving the park. “We are committed to working together with the government to safeguard Sapo National Park,” she said.
As one of Liberia’s most dependable natural resources, Sapo National Park holds immense ecological, cultural, and economic value. Conservationists and local officials alike are now calling for urgent and coordinated action to protect the park for future generations.
