Liberia Legislation

Photo: Rachel Wynberg

The west African country of Liberia is rich in biodiversity but is faced with massive policy challenges after years of turmoil and civil strife. Liberia is in the process of developing a legislative framework to ensure that its biological wealth is utilised in a manner which contributes to the current economy, yet is conserved for future generations and respects traditional values. The EEU, in conjunction with Peter Munyi of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), is currently assisting the Government of Liberia in developing a legal framework for access and benefit sharing (ABS) which is in line with the Liberian Constitution and the country’s commitments towards the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The team has been contracted by the ABS Capacity Building Initiative for Africa to technically support and backstop the legal framework development process which will culminate in a final draft ABS legal instrument to be handed over to the Liberian ABS Focal Point or the Minister of the Environment for further action. The ABS legislation is expected to be tabled in early 2011.