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2. Abstract The paper describes the important opportunity that Liberia is embracing in order to address the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation through a landscape management approach. Through this approach, Liberia will manage multiple land uses in an integrated manner, considering both the natural environment and the human systems that depend on it. This initiative has the support and collaboration of multiple partners including the private and public sectors. 2

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4. 2003: - UNSC sanctions to prohibit round wood and timber exports 2004: - Liberia Forestry Initiative (LFI) established 2005: - Forest Concessions Review Committee (FCRC) 2006: - Presidential Executive Order No. 1 declaring concessions null and void - UNSC voted to lift the timber sanctions - National Forest Reform Law (NFRL) - National Forest Policy (3C approach) - Chain of Custody (CoC) system Liberia Forest and Land Sector Reforms (2003-2014)

5. 2007: Ten Core Regulations 2008: - Consolidation/Expansion PA starts (GEF) 2009: - Community Rights Law (CRL) approved 2010: - Inspection Panel requested ($2M TA grant) – no full investigation needed - SEA for implementing forest reform 2012: - PSIA; Liberia Forest Sector Diagnostic ; - 4Cs approach (Community, Commercial, Conservation and Carbon) -Sanction +6 Conference; - REDD+ Engagement starts (FCPF) 2013: - Moratorium PUPs 2014: - LoI signed between GoL and GoN; support national and international NGOs (US$100M) Liberia Forest and Land Sector Reform (2003-2014)

6. Liberia Forests Sector Program Phase 2 Implementation and Investment Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) Grant: $3.6 m + Add Financing: $5m On-going Forest Land Cover Mapping Strategic Environment and Social Assessment (SESA) National REDD+ Strategy Development of Reference Scenario Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) Grant: $3.6 m + Add Financing: $5m On-going Forest Land Cover Mapping Strategic Environment and Social Assessment (SESA) National REDD+ Strategy Development of Reference Scenario Emission Reduction Purchase Agreements Under BioCF, $ (carbon payments) Emission Reduction Purchase Agreements Under BioCF, $ (carbon payments) 1. Liberia Forest Sector Project ($ 37.5 M) 2. Rubber Project: IFC $5m Approved 3. GEF commodities program (under preparation): IFC, UNDP, CI 4. Smallholder Tree Crops Revitalization Support Project: IDA 15m On-going 1. Liberia Forest Sector Project ($ 37.5 M) 2. Rubber Project: IFC $5m Approved 3. GEF commodities program (under preparation): IFC, UNDP, CI 4. Smallholder Tree Crops Revitalization Support Project: IDA 15m On-going Phase 3 Results and Performance Phase 1 Readiness Phase General Budget Support DPO ($5-15M) BETF for TA managed by ENR GP through BioCF($7.5M)

7. Why Liberia moving sustainable forest management For 10 years commercial forestry generated revenue of $5 M per year (less than expected) CRL provides a strong basis for community engagement in forest management Commercial sector also suffered due to lack of appropriate regulations on CRL Hence, GoL approach is to move towards sustainable forest management ie. balancing the 3 Cs

8. Liberia Forest Sector Project Project Development Objective (PDO) Improved management of and increased benefit-sharing in targeted forest landscapes 8 Components  Component 1. Strengthen Regulatory and Institutional Arrangements (US$8 million)  Component 2. Strenghten Capacity for Landscape Management (US$24 million)  Component 3. Forest Monitoring Information System(US$2 million)  Component 4. Project Monitoring and Management (US$3.5 million)

9. PDO Level Indicators 1)Community forest area in targeted forest landscapes managed according to defined criteria (ha) 2) Average Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) score of protected areas within targeted forest landscapes (METT score) 3)People in targeted forest and adjacent communities with increased monetary or non-monetary benefits from forest (number)(core sector indicator –forestry) 4)People in and around of protected and community forestry areas in targeted landscapes participated in consultations on management of forests (number) 5)Direct project beneficiaries (number), of which female (%) (core indicator) 9

10. Project Areas 10

11. Theory of Change 11

12. Component 1. Strengthened Regulatory and Institutional Arrangements for Implementation of REDD+ Technical assistance, and operational costs to reform and harmonize existing legal regime and strengthen institutional and professional capacities for improved management of forest landscapes. Two subcomponents: Strengthened Institutional Capacity (public, private, CSOs) for Improved Management of Forest Landscapes. Legal Reform. 12

13. Component 2. Strengthened Management of Targeted Forest Landscapes Land use planning, conservation, community forestry, sustainable agriculture and forests management to support local communities and their organizations to improve the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources and improve the economic and social benefits they obtain from them. Improved Land Use Planning Strengthen Management of Protected Areas Support for Community Forests Public-Private Partnerships to Strengthen Sustainable Agriculture Development 13

14. Component 3. Forest Monitoring Information System Establish and support an operational and successfully tested national system for Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems and an information system for safeguards. Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) and Reference Level Development Development of an information system for safeguards 14

15. Early lessons from Jurisdictional REDD+ and Low Emissions Development Programs With the appropriate investment and support, jurisdictional REDD+/LED programs have the potential to become trans­formational models of forest-friendly development. However, creating a new development pathway takes time and requires building political will, making transitional investments, improving coop­eration across sectors and stakeholder groups, and facilitating cultural shifts to change practices. 15

16. Conclusion Through regionally-tailored “management and performance systems”, the integrated approach to resource management can achieve multi- stakeholder consensus around a single shared definition of success, develop incentives systems (financial, regulatory, technical) to support progress towards this success, and a monitoring system for tracking this progress. 16

17. Way forward Designing and implement­ing jurisdictional programs also requires changing the way people think about rural development. Realistic expectations regarding the pace of change and investments in long-term outcomes are critical. Early indications and stakeholder interest suggest that a trans­ formative shift is possible—one that can provide substantial benefits to people and the environment but concerted collaborative efforts will be necessary across sectors. 17

18. Thank You 18