MONROVIA, Sept. 4 -- Liberia has launched a new US$3 million project aimed at protecting the Gola Forest National Park and empowering communities living near its borders.

The initiative, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is a partnership between the Society for the Conservation of Nature Liberia (SCNL) and Conservation International (CI).

The project will provide funding for research and livelihood programs to enhance conservation efforts and improve living standards for local residents.

The Government of Liberia (GoL), through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), has pledged technical support for the five-year program, which is part of the larger Guinean Forests Integra...