GRAND GEDEH COUNTY FOREST FORUMFINAL REPORT LIBERIA

One of the GGCFF Stakeholders Workshops

Submitted By: Initiative for Peace & Development Inc.(PAD) Monrovia, Liberia

Submitted By: Mr. Edward S. Kamara National Coordinator National Forest Forum Forestry Development Authority, Liberia

Date : March 21, 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1

Pages

I. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………….3

II. Background/Objectives…………………………………………….………………………….3

III. Activities Undertaken & Results Achieved…………..……………………………….3-4

IV. Awareness Workshops/Town Hall Meetings…………….….………………………….4

V. Human Resources & Logistics Employees/Partnership….……….…………………4

VI. Stakeholders Identification & Analysis…………………..…………………………..5-8

VII. Lesson Learned, Sources of Funding,…………………………………………………….8

VIII. Key Issues………………………………………………………………..………………………..8

IX. Conclusion/ Recommendation……………………………………………..………………..9

X. Appendixes………………………………………………………………………..…………..9-28

A. Stakeholders Listing………………………………………………………………………… 9

B. Listing of Grand Gedeh County Forest Forum Officers…………………………10

C. Letter to the County Superintendent…………………………………..…………11-12

D. Letter to the FDA Regional Officer…………………………………………………13-14

E. Agenda for the Workshop………………………………………………………………… 15

F. 17W/Shop Transportatiion & DSA Signing Sheets………….…………………… 16

G. W/shop Attendance Sheet……………………………………………………………….. .17

H. Activity & Achievement………………………………………………………………………18

I. Bye-Laws & Constitution…………………………………………………………………19-25

J. Itemized Financial Report……………………………………………………………… 26-27

K. Summary Sheet/Financial…………………………………………………………………… 28

2

1.0 Introduction

The Initiative for Peace and Development, Inc (PAD) signed a letter of Agreement (LoA) on February 4,Agriculture Organization(FAO) FACILITY Representative to Liberia through the Forestry Development Authority. Under the Terms of the LOA, the Recipient Organization, Initiative for Peace and Development should submit a final report covering the project objectives.

1.1 Background

The National Legislature of Liberia, enacted, a New Forestry Reform Law in 2006. This Law has provisions for participatory decision making in the process of extracting forest resources in Liberia.

However, the channel for these participatory measures has never been in place. While the Forestry Development Authority was in the process of developing a measure, the National Forestry Program (NFP) of the FAO through FACILITY came in with this “Bottom-to-top” approach which offers the establishment of County Forest Forum. The County Forest Forum leads to the creation of a National Forest Forum where natural resources issues; extraction, benefit sharing and conflict will be addressed.

I.2 Objectives of the Letter of Agreement (LoA)The main activity to be undertaken by the Recipient Organization (RO) under this agreement is to prepare and establish the Grand Gedeh County Forest Forum. The specific objectives of this agreement are as follows: Specific Objective 1- in consultation with key partners (e.g., FDA, local communities) conducts stakeholder

identification and analyses at the chiefdom, district and county levels. Specific Objective 2- Prepare materials for awareness for the County Forest Forum. Specific Objective 3- Set up and implementation of the County Forest Forum.1.3a Activities and Achievements.The Initiative For Peace & Development Inc. implemented the following activities and achieve the following results during the various phases of the project. They phases are:

The Planning Phase The Initiative for peace and Development drew up an activity as enshrined in the Project Document. Appendix A

Consultation PhaseThe Local Government Head of the county who is the superintendent of the county was officially communicated to explaining the how and why the County Forest Forum was established. We also provided information detailing the aims and objectives of the forum and how the project will involve and benefit all spectrums of the people of the county in the management and sustainability of their forest.Based on our communication to the superintendent, he deemed it necessary to write the various districts and clans superintendent and clan chiefs respective explaining the objectives of the forest forum and instructing them to fully participate and give their support to the project.Moreover, the Initiative for Peace and Development communicated with the Grand Gedeh County Head of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) explaining the aims and objectives of the County and why his participation and support were needed.

Awareness

3

We designed and printed the main activities of the program on six banners. These banners were posted at each strategic meeting point in the county. By so doing, were able to know where these meetings were held thereby making citizens participation to cut across all spectrum of the society.

Workshops/Town Hall MeetingsA total of ten workshops were held. Four workshops were held in three districts and six workshops were held at county level. Eight Town meetings were held in eight districts(under three major districts ie, Konobo, Gbarzon and Tchien). Discussions were held amongst local leaders and attended by the local authority of the Forestry Development Authority. The objective of the project was explained during these meetings. The Locals were concern with the forest resource management and ownership since indeed, most of them make their living from pit sawing and other activities associated with the forest.1.4 MethodologyThe methodology used in the implementation of this project includes:

Planning- a comprehensive study was conducted to gather information on forest policy and legal framework of Liberia, the county and its inhabitants. There are two statutory districts and one administrative districts, twenty-three chiefdoms, forty-seven clans and the total county population as quoted from the 2008 Census is125,258 (64,994 males and 60,264 females)

1.5 Human Resources and Logistics Employees/Partnership One Post-Graduate Forester (male) Two Graduate Foresters ( male) One Graduate Management Specialist (female)

The Initiative for Peace and Development (PAD) maintained Partnership and consultation with FDA field personnel, county authorities and traditional leaders of the county during the life of the project.1.6 ParticipantsThe participants at these meetings included people from every spectrum of the county ranging from district commissioners, paramount and clan chiefs, youth groups, teachers, NGOs, civil society groups, etc. The local dwellers who are also direct beneficiaries of this program formed part of these meetings since indeed they are the ones whose voices are never heard most of the time. Female population at the eight meeting was about 24%. The low percentage of women was due to the high illiterate rate of women in the rural area. Most women here are farmers and housewives. However, due to the awareness raised prior to these meetings, more women were able to attend and made impact. Participants were selected from the following Districts:1. Gbao District2. Gbo-Plo District3. B’hai District4. Konobo District5. Glio-Twarbo District6. Putu District7. Tchien District8. Cavalla District

4

Stakeholders IdentificationResource Function Stakeholder Comments

Tropical Rain Forest a. Timber Harvest

b. Farming (Shifting cultivation, tree and cash crops

Government/FDA, Loggers, Chainsaw Operators, individuals, Corporative, CBOs, The Local Media etc.

Government grants concession agreements, local authorities allow chainsaw activities

All members of any community may have access to the forest by inheritance or land sale

Land Settlements, roads and other construction

Tribal/Clan or Local authorities, individuals group’s institutions, government, Marketing Association

Government or tribal leaders may select land for community development

Wildlife Source of protein markets(poaching)

Hunters-Individual and or informal groups

Members of the clan or individuals from other clans or regions permitted by tribal authorities

Rivers/Streams Fishing and or artesian mining, domestic and Agricultural water supply

Individuals, Informal groups, government institutions, local authorities, etc

Government grants mining licenses to individuals, tribal authorities allow their youth to get involve into small scale mining

Mountains Mineral Exploration Government and Investors, Local Communities

Government grants licenses to investors with or without the knowledge of the local authorities.

5

STAKEHOLDER’S ANALYSIS

Stakeholder Benefits Derived from Resource

Improvement Desired from Protected Area

Conflicts and impacts between and from stakeholders

Willingness and capacity to participate

Loggers/Chainsaw Activities

Timber and wood for construction( Commercial Purpose)

Regulatory( Both government and tribal authorities)

Deforestation, indiscriminate felling of trees, land ownership and benefits sharing

Local people willing to talk to government and investors, but in most instances lack the capacity to develop their own social agreement

Hunters Bush meat Trade Regulatory(both government and tribal authorities)

Depletion of wildlife and endemic animal species

Poachers, not willing to quit; required force

Miners Gold, Diamond Regulatory(both government and tribal authorities)

Taxes and benefits sharing

Willing to talk and engage in social agreement

Investors Gold, diamond, iron ore etc.

Regulatory(both government and tribal authorities)

Land ownership, benefit sharing

Meet government requirements; enter social agreement with local community

Fishermen Protein source Regulatory(both government and tribal authorities)

Over fishing, poisoning rivers and streams/water pollutions

Awareness raising & law enforcement

Farmers Rice, tree & cash crops (livelihood)

Regulatory(both government and tribal authorities)

Land ownership, land tenue system

Willing to participate but lack capacity

INTEREST OF THE IDENTIFIED STAKEHOLDERS

ActivitiesDependency

Influence

Low High Low HighFarming

a. Shifting Cultivation

b. Tree Crops

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

6

Mining XXX XXXTimber Harvestinga. Loggingb. Chain sawing

XXXXXX

XXX XXX

Huntinga. Commercial/bush

meat tradingb. Community

XXXXXX XXX

XXX

Fishing XXX XXX

Participation analysis - or stakeholder analysis as it is sometimes called - seeks to identify all persons, institutions, etc. involved in a project, in addition to the target group and the implementing agency, and speculates on their expected support or opposition to the program. This analysis is used at the preliminary stages of a project in order to incorporate interests and expectations of persons and groups significant to a project or program.

Organizations and authorities at different levels and interest groups have different motives and interests. It is of fundamental importance to analyze these interests and expectations both early on in the planning process and later again during the implementation of the project or program. A fundamental requirement of all development projects is that the objectives reflect the needs of the society and the interest groups, and not merely the internal needs of institutions.

7

All parties should be listed which are likely to be affected by the development, both positively or negatively, directly or indirectly.

Involve stakeholders

Identify the stakeholders, involve them and find out where they stand in relation to the issue. Successful community education projects acknowledge and involve the groups or individuals who have a stake in the issue. Stakeholders can be defined as those who are interested in, concerned about, affected by, have a vested interest in, or are involved in some way with, the issue. Because of their involvement and ownership of the issue many stakeholders will have knowledge, networks and resources which can add significant value to your project.

Stakeholders’ Identification

A. FarmersThere are two kinds of farmers in this group:

Shifting Cultivation and burn farmers. This group grows and cultivates rice and vegetables on a parcel of land for one or more t years. They cultivate a farm size of more than 1.7 acres on the average. Upland rice is grown by the farmers which is the main diet for most Liberians. However, their annual harvest is not enough to feed them for more than six months.

Tree Crop farmersThese activities follow immediately after the shifting cultivation. When the rice is removed, the farmers continue the cultivation process by planting cocoa, coffee, oil palm and plantain. In Pre-war Liberia There were two main crops planted by this group; cocoa, and coffee. Today rubber, oil palm and citrus are taking the lead. Nearly all these farmers do not have deeds for their farm land but cultivate on ancestors’ ownership of land.1.7 Lessons Learned

The lesson learnt is that the locals want to benefit from their forest. Want more education concerning the County Forest Forum.They want to handle funds generated from pit sawyers, coal burners, etc.Women are left out of decision-making on forest matters. We encouraged the communities to always include women in all activities and decision making matters. The locals embraced the awareness created during the project period.

1.8 Strategic plan Strategies:

a. Develop a predictive model that determines when forest land in the FDA region is most vulnerable to

Land conservation.

b. Develop a regional forest land conservation plan that identifies the priority lands in Liberia for permanent conservation.c. Determine how much forest land is needed for wood resourcing and biodiversity conservation.d. Investigate the extent to which productive forest land is being changed or lost to other users, potential impacts in counties where forest is located. Assess the effectiveness of tools to address this change and loss.

1.9 Sources of Fundinga. National and County levels support b. Support sound stewardship of the forests Grand Gedeh County.c. Logisticsd. Capacity building for County Forest Forum.

8

1.11 Key Issues that arise from the series of meetings held.Creation of new Counties caused boundaries problems. Killing of animals at random by some hunters who set many traps. Lack of farms to market roads for local in forest areas to attract companies for the locals to benefit from their forest and this is causing the trees to get rotten in the forest. The locals are not educated about the new counties demarcation.

1.12. Conclusion and Recommendation

ConclusionLiberia is endowed with rich forest resources but continue to be affected by interlinked and reinforced problems of forest degradation and extreme poverty as the result of top-bottom planning system associated with poor implementation policies and strategy. This phenomenon can be improved if a reverse process is instituted.The National Forest Forum Program under which the County Forest Forum is being initiated could serve to enhance this reversed process and consequently witness a reduction in forest degradation.We have achieved all objectives(One ,Two and Three), lots of efforts and time was used to ensure successful outturns for all of the activities of the project. The project was successfully implemented. The anxiety of the local people impressed us greatly. Recommendation It is recommended that when the Forest Forum is established its capacity be built and maintained in order to have an efficient role in the forestry sector.We recommend that the transportation cost in future project be increased to underwrite the cost of travelling to the communities, considering the road condition and lack of adequate public transport. These communities are far from each other but are grouped into three major districts.We recommend that the human capital of the county forum be built and maintained in order to play an important role in the forestry sector, and more awareness should be created from town to townAppendix A. Stakeholders Listing

1. SEWODA2. Sarbo Youth Association3. Gbarzon Women Association4. Tchien Zonee Women Club5. Rubber Planters Association6. Liberia Marketing Association( Zwedru Branch)7. Gedeh Multi Farmers Cooperative8. Putu Miming Company9. Grand Gedeh Bar Association10. Liberia Trade Union for Rural workers Education11. Federation of Road & Transport Union of Liberia12. YOUTHFA13. AMANU14. AMONYAH15. Zwedru United Sisters Club16. General Construction Company17. Konobo Farmers Association18. Gedeh Youth Association19. Teacher Association of Grand Gedeh County20. Putu Mining Company21. Zwedru Swamp Farm Association22. Niabo Women in Development23. Government of Liberia represented by (Ministry of Internal affairs, Agriculture, FDA, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Public works ) in Grand Gedeh County.24. The media ( Local Radio Station in Grand Gedeh County)25. Zleh Town Women Association26. Zleh Town Youth Association27. Zleh Town Farmers Association28. Gbolekeh Farmers Association29. Gbarzon Brotherhood association

9

30. Gbarzon Women Association31. Ziah Town Youth in Action32. Motor Cycle Association33. Ziah Town Women in Action34. Ziah Town Development Association35. Self Help Development Club36. Voluntary Youth in Action37. Tchien Youth for Development38. Tchien Farmers Association39. Self-Help Association of Tchien40. Tchien Business Men Organization

Appendix B. Listing of Grand Gedeh County Forest Forum OfficersNames of Officers Elected District

1. James Duogbayee2. Johnson Sharty3. Edward Toe4. James Taygba5. Jerry K. Blayee6. Doris Gbejolo7. Nyanteen Wea8. Rita N. Kahn9. Wonty Routy

Gbarzon District

1. James Tody2. Lasannah Zayway3. Newton Philips4. Goodrich Zaybay5. Sylvester James6. Elizabeth Barh7. Cecelia Quiah8. Moses Deleayee9. J. Ebenezer GBladeh

Tchien District

1. Thomas B. Wulu2. Jonathan Collins3. Allen N. Quaye4. Gibson B. Daylu5. Phillip N. York6. Mariah Saylee7. Nancy Z. Quaye8. Thomas N. Ben9. Stanley Zulu

Konobo District

10

Appendix C. Letter to the County Superintendent

P.O. Box 3119 Caesar’s Building

Carey & Johnson Streets, Monrovia, Liberia

Tel: +231-6-528427/ 77-528427 E-mail: developmentpad@yahoo.com

February 13, 2010

Hon. Chris BaileySuperintendentGrand Gedeh CountyZwedru, Liberia

Dear Honorable Bailey:

We extend our compliments and appreciation to you for your services rendered the Liberian people through your good office over the years.

The Forestry Development Authority(FDA) and the National Forest Program Facility of Food and Agriculture Organization-FAO established a partnership upon which a recipient organization setting out the framework for implementation of the process over a three-year period.

The purpose for this partnership is to establish effective mechanisms and structures to achieve the following:o sustainable management of Liberia’s forests;o equitable sharing of the benefits and responsibilities from the forests; and o efficient conflict resolution during forest management and utilization.

In order to achieve these objectives, a National Forest Forum (NFF) must be formed. The formation of the NFF is not possible when the participants are not drawn from the fifteen Counties of Liberia. In this light, the need to establish fifteen (15) County fora was approved by the National Multi-Stakeholder Committee (NMSC).

Upon its approval, a call for proposals was made and advertised for NGOs, CBOs to apply. The Recipient Organization (RO), Initiative for Peace and Development, (FDA) applied for Grand Gedeh County in December, 2009 and was awarded the contract.

On February 4, 2010, a contract was signed between the Initiative for Peace and Development(PAD) and FAO to establish the Grand Gedeh County Forest Forum (GGCFF).

The duration of this contract is six (6) calendar months and ends July 2010.

The activity to be undertaken by PAD under this agreement is to prepare and establish the CFF of the Grand Gedeh County. The specific objectives of this agreement are as follows:

A. Specific Objective One In consultation with key partners (e.g., FDA, Local communities) conduct Stakeholder identification and

analyses at the Chiefdom, District and County levels in River Gee County.

B. Specific Objective TwoPrepare materials for awareness rising for the County Forest Forum.

11

12

Appendix D. Letter to the Regional Officer-FDA

P.O. Box 3119 Caesar’s Building

Carey & Johnson Streets, Monrovia, Liberia

Tel: +231-6-528427/ 77-528427 E-mail: developmentpad@yahoo.com

February 13, 2010

Mr. Philip JokoloRegional ForesterSector 4FDAGrand Gedeh County

Dear Mr. Jokolo:

We extend our compliments and appreciation to you for your services rendered the Liberian people through your good office over the years.

The Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and the National Forest Program Facility of Food and Agriculture Organization-FAO established a partnership upon which a recipient organization setting out the framework for implementation of the process over a three-year period.

The purpose for this partnership is to establish effective mechanisms and structures to achieve the following:o sustainable management of Liberia’s forests;o equitable sharing of the benefits and responsibilities from the forests; and o efficient conflict resolution during forest management and utilization.

In order to achieve these objectives, a National Forest Forum (NFF) must be formed. The formation of the NFF is not possible when the participants are not drawn from the fifteen Counties of Liberia. In this light, the need to establish fifteen (15) County fora was approved by the National Multi-Stakeholder Committee (NMSC).

Upon its approval, a call for proposals was made and advertised for NGOs, CBOs to apply. The Recipient Organization (RO), Initiative for Peace and Development, (FDA) applied for Grand Gedeh County in December, 2009 and was awarded the contract.

On February 4, 2010, a contract was signed between the Initiative for Peace and Development(PAD) and FAO to establish the Grand Gedeh County Forest Forum (GGCFF).

The duration of this contract is six (6) calendar months and ends July 2010.

The activity to be undertaken by PAD under this agreement is to prepare and establish the CFF of the Grand Gedeh County. The specific objectives of this agreement are as follows:

C. Specific Objective One In consultation with key partners (e.g., FDA, Local communities) conduct Stakeholder identification and

analyses at the Chiefdom, District and County levels in River Gee County.

D. Specific Objective TwoPrepare materials for awareness rising for the County Forest Forum.

13

14

Appendix E. Agenda for the workshops

P.O. Box 3119

Caesar’s Building Carey & Johnson Streets,

Monrovia, Liberia Tel: +231-6-528427/ 77-528427

E-mail: developmentpad@yahoo.com

District Meeting/Workshop for the Formation of the Grand Gedeh County Forest Forum

April 13 – 17, 2010

AGENDA

1. Introduction

a.Welcome Remarkb.Self Introductionc.Presentation the National Forest Program Facility

2. The Legal Framework of Forest Management in Liberia

a. Background of the Liberian Forestry Legal Framework

b. The Forestry Reform Laws of 2006i. Chapter – 2 – “Ownership”ii. Chapter – 10 – “Community Rights”iii. Chapter – 11 – “Rights of Land Owners”iv. Chapter – 16 – “Shrinking Forest Resources Base

c. 2009 Community Rights Laws of Liberia

i. Chapter 2ii. Chapter 3iii. Chapter 4iv. Chapter 5

3. Discussions of issues relative to the Liberian Forestry Legal Framework

4. Other Forestry Issues

LUNCH BREAK! LUNCH BREAK!! LUNCH BREAK!!!

5. Formation of the District Forest Forum

i. Nominationii.Election of Officialsiii. Induction of Officers elect

6. Socio-Economic Interview

7. Closing Statement

a. District Authorityb. PAD

15

Appendix F. Workshops Transportation & DSA signing sheet

P.O. Box 3119Caesar’s Building

Carey & Johnson Streets,Monrovia, Liberia

Tel: +231-6-528427/ 77-528427E-mail: developmentpad@yahoo.com

GRAND GEDEH COUNTY FOREST FORUM WORKSHOP Transportation & DSADATE: TOWN

NO

NAME Transportation

DSA AMOUNT(USD SIGNATURE

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

1314

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

25

TOTALMotto: “Peace and Sustainable Development is our goal”

16

Appendix G. Workshop Attendance Sheet

P.O. Box 3119Caesar’s Building

Carey & Johnson Streets,Monrovia, Liberia

Tel: +231-6-528427/ 77-528427E-mail: developmentpad@yahoo.com

GRAND GEDEH COUNTY FOREST FORUM WORKSHOP AttendanceDATE: TOWNNO NAME TOWN POSITION SIGNATUR

E1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

17

TOTAL Motto: “Peace and Sustainable Development is our goal”

18

Appendix H. Activity and achievementSpecific Objective # One: In consultation with Key partners, conducted Stakeholders Identification and analysis at the County, District and Chiefdom levels Activity: Outturn/Achievement

Consultation with Key Partners Eight(8) meetings were held in 8

Districts group under three(3) major districts

Discussions were held amongst Local Leaders and Forestry Development Authority Staff

Stakeholder Identification and Analysis

Forty (40) stakeholders were identified from nine major activities: State Institutions, media, timber harvesting, mining, hunting, fishing, petit trading, transport and farming

Specific Objective # Two: Procured and prepared materials to carryout County Forest Forum awareness. Activity Outturn

Printing of Banners Printed Six (6) banners and placed in six towns in the county( carrying the objectives, date of meeting, venue and participants listing)

Specific Objective # 3: Set up and implemented the Country Forest forumActivity Results/AchievementWorkshops Total of Ten(10) workshops were held.

Four(4) workshops were held in 3 districts;6 workshops at county level

Objective of Forum was explained. Full participation of each stakeholder.

Men, Women, Youth groupsElection/Induction of Officers 4 elections were held;

3 at the districts’ level and 1 at the county level.

A total of 27 officers were elected from the 3 districts.

Eight (8) persons were elected to steer the County Forum from among those elected at the District level.

Preparation of Constitution and By- Laws The Grand Gedeh County Forest Forum Constitution drafted, vetted and commissioned by the county authority and FDA

Strategic Plan A three-year strategic is prepared for the Grand Gedeh County Forest Forum.

Financial Reporting A comprehensive financial report is prepared and original copies (un-audited) presented to FDA/Liberia

19

Appendix I. Bye-Laws and Constitution of the Grand Gedeh County Forest Forum

CONSTITUTION & BYE –LAWS

OF THE

GRAND GEDEH COUNTY

FOREST FORUM

(GGECFFOR)

VETTED ON THIS 17TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2010 AND ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2010

20

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE GRAND GEDEH COUNTY FOREST FORUM PREAMBLE

Whereas we the people of Grand Gedeh County have agreed to buttress the effort of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) in conserving the remaining forest and biodiversity of Liberia; and

Whereas the Forestry laws enacted by the Forestry Development Authority will not achieve its desired goals without the joint effort of forest dwelling communities.

Whereas Grand Gedeh County has the potential for social-economic development and being aware of the consequences of destroying the forest and biodiversity, therefore we the Citizen/Stakeholders have resolved to organize a Body (Civil Organization) that will be governed by a set of rules and practices in keeping with the Forest law of Liberia.

Whereas Grand Gedeh County contains an appreciable amount of the forest resources of Liberia, the Grand Gedeh County Forest Forum shall always have an input in the Promulgation and Vetting of all Forest Resources Laws of Liberia.

ARTICLE I- NAME /SYMBOL

Section 1: The name of the organization shall be the Grand Gedeh County Forest Forum (GGECFFOR).

Section 2: The Symbol of the Organization shall be a Mountain, Valley, River, deer, a tree and a bird. ARTICLE II: MOTTO

The motto of the organization shall be called “DEVELOPMENT FOR ALL”

ARTICLE III- HEADQUARTER & COMPOSITION OF THE FORUM

Section 1: The Forum shall include all District Forest Fora in Grand Gedeh County.

Section 2: The Headquarter shall be located in Zwedru, the seat of Grand Gedeh County.ARTICLE IV: ENDORSEMENT

The Grand Gedeh Forest Forum shall be endorsed by the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (County Authority- Superintendent).

ARTICLE V: PURPOSE

The purpose of the Grand Gedeh County Forest Forum shall be to co-manage the forest resources of Grand Gedeh County along with the government agency responsible for the forest (FDA):

1. To create and maintain a forum for a genuine public dialogue, resolved conflicts, advocate, and protect the forest biodiversity of Grand Gedeh County.

2. To encourage the participatory sustainable forest management and ensure the equitable sharing of benefits accrued from the forest.

3. To provide information to the people on the management and benefits of their forest resources.

4. To build the capacity of forest dwelling people of Grand Gedeh County to sustainably co-manage the forest.

ARTICLE VI: MEMBERSHIPSection 1: Membership of this organization shall include all citizens of Grand Gedeh County.

Section 2: Non Grand Gedeans who have resided in the County for more then ten years with Properties are also considered members.

21

ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS

Section 1: The Executive Committee of the Forum shall conduct its regular sitting bi-annually. [Feb- July] and shall hold emergency meetings as need arise.

Section 2: The forum shall hold an annual general council meeting on the last Friday of November each year where all District Forest fora committees shall be represented.

ARTICLE VIII: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND RESPONSIBILITY

Section 1: Organizational Structure

The organizational structure shall be as follow: Chairperson, Co-Chairperson, General Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Chaplain, Advisor and Ex-officio (County officials and FDA).

Section 2: Executive Committee

a. The Executive Committee shall comprise: County Forest Forum Chairperson, Co-chairperson, General Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Chaplain, all District Forum chairpersons, Advisor and Ex-officio.

b. The term of office, excluding the Ex-officio, shall be two years.

Section 3: Duties of the Officers

a. County Chairperson

1. Shall be head of the organization.2. Shall run the day-to-day affairs of the organization.3. Shall represent the County Forum at all meetings.4. Shall sign and approve financial standing and other essential documents as required.5. Shall preside at executive meetings and at general assembly.6. Shall be an ex-officio to all committees.7. Shall perform all other functions as usual and customary to presiding officer.8. Shall submit annual report of all major activities of the Forum within the County.

b. County Co-chairperson1. Shall assist the Chairperson as directed by and cooperation with the Chairperson.2. Shall perform any other function under the directive of the Chairperson or such as may be

directed by the Executive Committee of the organization.3. Shall preside at meetings in the absence of the Chairperson.4. Shall automatically fill the office of Chairperson for the unexpired term when a vacancy

occurred.

c. General Secretary1. Shall take minutes of all the general and Executive meetings.2. Shall prepare annual report of all major activities of the Forum within the County.3. Shall be reasonable for all official correspondence under the directive of the Executive

Committee.

d. Assistant General Secretary1. Shall assist the General Secretary as directed by and in consultation with the General

Secretary and the Executive Committee.2. Shall perform any other function under the directive of the Chairperson, or as may be directed

by the Executive Committee.3. Shall function as General Secretary in the absence of the Secretary.

22

4. Shall automatically fill in the office of General Secretary for the unexpired term when a vacancy exists.

e. Treasurer1. Shall receive and disburse all funds as directed by the Executive Committee. Such funds shall

be disbursed by vouchers prepared by the Financial Secretary and approved by the Chairperson.

2. Shall keep accurate records of receipts and disbursement.3. Shall work with the financial Secretary to prepare and submit a complete financial report to the

Executive Committee as required and to the County Council during its sitting.

f. Financial Secretary1. Shall set up a workable account system for the organization.2. Shall work with the Treasurer in keeping accurate financial records and in preparing the

financial reports.3. Shall be in the position to issue official receipts for all funds received.

g. Chaplain1. Shall execute all religious functions within the organization.2. Shall be religiously inclined with good moral.

h. Ex-officio1. Shall monitor all and guide the activities of the organization.

i. Advisor1. Shall advise the organization on all relevant issues.2. Shall have knowledge in Natural resource management/forestry.

Section 4: Duty of the Executive Committee

a. Shall have the general oversight of all other functionary of the organization including Finance of the Organization.

b. Shall meet quarterly to review the activities undertaken by the organization during the quarter and make future plans.

ARTICLE IX: ELECTIONS

Section 1: Nomination and Elections

a. Nomination shall be made by presenting names of candidates to the special Elections committee upon arrival at the Council.

b. Election shall be by a two-third vote of all votes cast. If no election has been declare after the second ballots have been cast, a simple majority shall then Constitute an election.

c. Voting constituency shall consist of all Officers and representatives from the various districts that are duly registered as part of the council.

d. Elected officers shall include the following: Chairperson, Co-person, General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, and Chaplain and Advisor

Section 2: Elections Committee

a. All elections shall be held under the auspices of the special election Committee to be appointed by the county Chairperson in consultation with the Executive Committee.

b. Shall comprise of representative of each district.c. Number of member on the Election Committee shall be determined by the Executive Committee

but shall not be more than five.

23

Section 3: Eligibility of Officers

a. Shall be a citizen of Grand Gedeh County who is 18 years and above.b. Shall be able to read and write.c. Shall be a resident of the County two years prior to the election. Section 4: Qualifications of officers

1. County Chairpersona. Must be a high school graduate or aboveb. Must have good conduct in the County and the Country at largec. Must have reside in the County at least two years prior to the elections

2. Co- Chairpersona. Must be a high school graduate or above

b. Must have good conduct in the County and the Country at large c. Must have reside in the County at least two years prior to the elections

3. Secretary Generala. Must be a high school graduate or above

b. Must have good conduct in the County and the Country at large c. Must have reside in the County at least two years prior to the elections

4. Financial Secretary a. Must be a high school graduate or above

b. Must have good conduct in the County and the Country at largec. Must have reside in the County at least two years prior to the elections

5. Treasurer

a. must be able to read and write b. Must have good conduct in the County and the Country at large

c .Must have reside in the County at least two years prior to the electionsd. Must provide records of previous area of work of money keeping in the Countye. Must have property valuation not less than one thousand United States Dollars

Section 4: Tenure

a. The period of time for an elected officer shall be for two (2) years.b. One can be elected for a second term, after which he/she will not be eligible.

ARTICLE X: FINANCESection 1: All money generated through revenue or local tax collected or denoted by donor shall be deposited in a reputable bank In Zwedru Grand Gedeh County, Republic of Liberia.

Section 2: The bank book shall be kept by the treasure and it shall be presented at all general or emergency meeting upon formal request.

Section 3: Signatories of the bank book shall compose of the chairman, secretary general, and treasure.

Section 4: Withdrawal of money shall be agreeable upon the executive committee before any money can be withdrawn from the bank.

ARTICLE XI: IMPEACHMENTSection 1 The chairman and all officials elected or appointed are subject to impeachment from office base on bad conduct (which include) eating money of the organization misrepresentation etc (and other violation of the constitution of the Republic of Liberia). After first warning out of investigation and

24

under suspension during investigation also after restitution of said money if said act is repeated, impeachment shall take effect by 2/3 two-third majority vote.

ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENTS

An amendment to this document may be done with a two-third Majority at a regular annual council Meeting. The proposal for amendment shall be submitted in writing to the members of the council, no less than three month prior to the Annual Council meeting.

Constitution Committee Members

1.______________________________________ James Duogbayee –Gbarzon Dist. CHAIRPERSON

2. ___________________________ Thomas B. Wulue –Konobo Dist. CO-CHAIRPERSON

3._______________________________ Newton Philips- Tchien Dist SECRETARY

4._______________________________ Rita Kahn –Gbarzon Dist. MEMBER

5. ______________________________ J. Ebenezer Gbladeh –Tchien Dist MEMBER6. ________________________________ Allen N. Quaye –Konobo Dist. MEMBER

7. ________________________________ Edward Toe- Gbarzon Dist. MEMBER

25

RESOLUTION ON THE FORMATION OF GGECFFOR

We the people of Grand Gedeh County have agreed to organize ourselves under the umbrella of Grand Gedeh County Forest Forum – GGECFFOR to buttress the effort of the Forestry Development Authority-FDA, Land Mines and Energy and other related Agencies to co-manage the biological Diversity and non renewable resources of Grand Gedeh County.

GGECFFOR will corporate with Forestry Development Authority-FDA to uphold the forestry community rights law of 2009, and all other Laws enacted by FDA.

We the members of GGECFFOR WILL ENCOURAGE the participatory sustainable forest management and ensure, advocate and peruse the equitable sharing of benefits accrued from the forest resources.

We the members of GGECFFOR will work along with our forest dwellers of Grand Gedeh County to build their capacity in understanding the importance of forest resources and their management.

With the above working supra. We have affixed our signatures, this day, the 18 th of September 2010 at the Zwedru, Republic of Liberia, at the hour of 1:30pm.

Anything contrary not withstanding.

Appendix J. ITEMISED FINANCIAL REPORT

26

P.O. Box 3119Caesar’s Building

Carey & Johnson Streets,Monrovia, Liberia

Tel: +231-6-528427/ 77-528427 E-mail: developmentpad@yahoo.comITEMISED FINANCIAL REPORTTravel/Transportation………………………………………………………………………………………….US$3,110.00

3 persons to Grand Gedeh for 10 days @US$75/day to identify and analyze stakeholders Tx-321…..US$750

100 persons @US$5/day for first four(4) workshops/awareness raising……………………………………………..500

25 persons to set up CFF @US$10/day for one day…………………………………………………………………………250

75 persons to vet Draft Constitution@US$10/day................................................................................750

25 persons @US$10/day to adopt and launch constitution for GGCFF……………………………………………….250

25 persons @US$10/day presentation of fully functioning CFF………………………………………………………….250

3 SC members @US$120/trip for 3 trips…………………………………………………………………………………………360

DSA……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………US$2,780.00

3 persons to Grand Gedeh for 10 days @US$25/day……………………………………………………………………….750

Accommodation/DSA 1 Facilitator for awareness @US$75 for 4 days………………………………………………..300

100 persons @US$5/day for first four workshops/awareness raising…………………………………………………500

25 persons to set up CFF@US$5/day for one day…............................................................................125

75 persons to vet Draft Constitution @US$5………………………………………………………………………………….375

25 persons @US$5 to adopt and launch constitution for GGCFF………………………………………………………125

25 persons @US$5/day presentation of fully functioning CFF…………………………………………………………..125

27

3 persons SC Members @US$40/day for four days………………………………………………………………………...480

Workshops………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….US$660.00

Rental of facilities (venues) in April-march 2010 @US$50 X 4 days…………………………………………………200

Rental of facilities (venue) in July 19, 2010 @US$50/day………………………………………………………………..50

Rental of facilities (venues) in August 10-12, 2010 @US$50 X 3 days…………………………………………….150

Rental of facilities (venue) in Sept. 17, 2010 @US$50/day……………………………………………………………..50

Rental of facilities (venue) in Sept. 18, 2010 @US$50/day……………………………………………………………..50

6 awareness Banners ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...100

Stationeries………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..60

Staff Time…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….US$600.00

R.O.I Accountant @US$25/month for 6 months……………………………………………………………………………...150

R.O. Regular Personnel used @US$25/month for 6 months………………………………………………………………150

Coordination of the project-R.O. Recipient Organization Regular Personnel used @US$50 X 6mths……….300

Hired Personnel……………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………… US$3,850.00

Consultanta. Stakeholder identification/Analysis………………………………………………………………………1,500

28

29

30