By: Karino Teah
SINOE COUNTY – A significant milestone in women’s empowerment and ecotourism development was achieved this week with the official dedication of a modern activity hall and bakery for the Sapo Women Conservation Enterprise in Jaylay Town, Wakaba District, southeastern Liberia.
The initiative is part of the Sustain: Sustainable Forest Conservation in Southeastern Liberia project, jointly implemented by the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation (WCF), the Universal Outreach Foundation (UOF), and the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), with funding from the European Union (EU).
During the dedication ceremony, UOF Country Director Mr. Cesar S. Wilson highlighted the facility’s potential to enhance women’s economic empowerment and promote ecotourism.
“This center will enable women to bake bread, prepare traditional dishes, and produce wooden souvenirs for tourists. We envision it becoming a hub of innovation and growth,” he said.
Mr. Wilson encouraged the beneficiaries to take full ownership of the center and make meaningful use of the opportunity.
Also speaking at the event, Project Coordinator Mr. Forkpayea W. Gbalay emphasized the broader goals of community empowerment and forest preservation:
“Equipping forest-edge communities with infrastructure like this reduces pressure on forest resources and supports long-term conservation,” he noted.
Representing the women’s group, Madam Hellena Thomas expressed gratitude to the project partners and pledged the group’s commitment to utilizing the facility to improve their livelihoods and support conservation efforts.
The new facility stands as a powerful symbol of how sustainable development and environmental conservation can go hand in hand to uplift communities in Liberia’s forest-rich southeast.
