1. Country Working Groups Liberia’s Experience Duala, 14 th Sept. 2011

2. What do we want? Ownership versus occupancy The desired end-state is ownership and full control. The focus now is more management responsibility and greater role and involvement in decision making.

3. What are we doing at the country level to get what we want? CFDCs are: sensitizing communities on rights and responsibilities under current law. Sensitizing communities on the danger of giving land away to companies. Sensitization about sustainable forest management.

4. Question 2 Cont. Being proactive by commissioning analysis to understand the current situation Conducting research to inform our positioning about community ownership and control of forest land Collective advocacy to advance the debate about community ownership towards the desired end state

5. Question 2 Cont. Bringing women in the discussions about forest and land for their inputs. Studies on situation of women to inform our advocacy for women involvement.

6. Main Obstacles Limited community understanding or knowledge on their legal standing under the law (rights and responsibilities) Some are short-sighted (focus on short term benefits and quick impact developments) Because of the past the limited reforms undermine argument for deeper reforms

7. Obstacles cont. Local authorities occupying community space and imposing on communities “Trust us! We are in your interest! “The child is not born yet and the eyes are wide opened” responding to demands from CFDCs. Tradition: Communities do not demand accountability and accountability from elders, local leaders and local authorities, - women not engaging and bringing their perspectives on the table

8. Obstacles cont. Fear from government about communities having too much power if they give more control and authority to them. Limited implementation of the existing laws eg. Community Rights Law Limited focus on other sectors (land, agriculture, mining) that impact on community rights

9. Where are We? The situation of communities have changed for somewhat for the better compared to the recent past Communities now challenging government and companies, and demanding space, benefits and rights BUT… Implementation of what has been agreed is weak Laws not being implemented Limited community involvement in advocacy Our impact is not evened in all the communities and counties Few CSOs meaningfully engaging at the level of the community

10. Where are we? Uneven level of awareness within community groups Some CFDCs more motivated than others

11. What do we need? From whom? Sensitization of communities on rights and responsibilities – Dangers of giving land away to companies – Sustainable forest management, rules against clearing old growth Broaden, deepen knowledge amongst stakeholders – using all available means A clear strategy (lobbying, advocacy, awareness raising) Increasing the number of groups acting to advance CRs – NGOs, CBOs, etc. Strengthen local groups for them to take on bigger roles in the struggle Internal training for NGO actors to reduce the gap in understanding of the issues – balance the scale