FAO Hands over Wildlife Surveillance Supplies to Forestry Development Authority of Liberia

Monrovia - The continued loss of species and the degradation of their habitats are threatening humanity, as people all over the world depend on the resources to meet their needs.

As part of the efforts to respond to the wildlife challenges, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) officially handed over wildlife Lab equipment, consumables and reagents to the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) of Liberia, which would contribute to the country’s wildlife surveillance activities.

The Official Handing over ceremony took place at the FAO office in Monrovia, where Joseph J. Tally, FDA Deputy Managing Director for Operation, attended and received the supplies on behalf of the Government of Liberia.

The supplies were procured under the project, “Supporting the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) to address Zoonotic Disease and Animal Health in Africa,” funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).  The project applies the One Health approach, and aims at strengthening and harmonizing surveillance systems, enhance epidemiological capacities and diagnostics, and develop risk-mitigation strategies in addressing the vulnerability to infectious zoonotic disease threats around the globe.

“Wildlife loss threatens and undermines the entire ecosystems and jeopardizes the well-being of all who depend on them. Furthermore, it is a leading cause of closer contact between wildlife and humans, resulting to the increase in the risk of spread of zoonotic diseases,” warned Bintia Stephen Tchicaya, FAO Representative a.i. in Liberia.

She said that FAO through the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) in the past four years had been supporting the country’s responses to reverse the fate of key species of animals and plants.

“In 2021, FAO conducted the bush meat value chain study in collaboration with the FDA and Ministry of Agriculture of Liberia in nine hunting belts/counties of Liberia. The study results showed that FDA and partners need to stand tall in planning a long-term nationwide awareness for the protection of wildlife and informing forest dependents about wildlife diseases.”

She said that FAO was very pleased to hand over these supplies to FDA in order to provide support for wildlife surveillance activities, which should benefit FDA if put to good use.

Mr. Tally assured FAO that materials donated would be utilized for the intended purpose.

The wildlife surveillance supplies will benefit the ecosystems and biodiversity conservation efforts in Liberia, while FAO will continue to provide technical support to FDA for the sustainable development of the Liberian forest and wildlife resources at the human-animal-environment interface.

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