Executive Summary Field Visit Photographs

1. Executive Summary

This report summarizes the results of a field visit to Liberia from May 27 to June 2, 2010 by Thomas Fricke, Senior Advisor for Fauna and Flora International’s FFI Sustainable Palm Oil and Biofuel Programmes. The visit was requested by FFI Liberia and two of its key local collaborators, Moses Wogbeh, Managing Director of the Forest Development Authority FDA, and the Hon. Milton Teahjay, Superintendent of Sinoe County. The main purpose of this assignment was to advise key government agencies and conservation NGOs active in Liberia in responding to the opportunities and potential threats posed by the emerging expansion of the oil palm industry in the country. About 550,000 hectares of commercial plantations and outgrower schemes are being developed, including two massive concession agreements covering over 200,000 hectares each with two large Malaysian and Indonesian companies, Sime Darby and Sinar Mas. During his six-day visit, Fricke was able to consult a number of key stakeholders in the government, NGO, and private sectors. He obtained valuable information and insights on the state of development of the industry and its potential impacts on Liberia’s economy and natural resources. On the final day of his visit, Fricke delivered a well-attended presentation at the FDA office entitled, “Best Practices, Opportunities, and Risks for Palm Oil Sector Development in Liberia: Reflections and Recommendations”. This report summarizes his findings and includes a number of maps, charts, and photographs collected, plus several annotated annexes. At the rear of the report, he outlines several conclusions and recommendations at the national and county level, including: Conclusions: 1. Palm oil industry expansion in Liberia brings major potential economic benefits in the form of revenues, employment, and investments, but the threat of forest conversion and biodiversity losses requires strong cooperation between government, industry, and NGOs. 2. Liberia has significant potential in promoting sustainable practices and selling higher value certified products since all four companies with established or pending concessions are members of the international Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil RSPO. Recommendations: 1. Liberia has an urgent need to create a multi-stakeholder sustainable palm oil initiative, with support from government, NGOs, companies developing the concessions, and the RSPO’s Secretariat and the Ghana National Interpretation working group. 2. Support the Liberia Oil Palm Sector Strategy with government MOA, EPA, FDA, and IBL support and private sector leadership OPAL, domestic companies, and MNCs 3. Create pilot projects in two counties, ie. Siloe and Grand Cape Mount, with the participation of FFI, CI, FDA, palm oil companies, and smallholderoutgrower groups. 4. Conduct HCV assessments and create HCV management and monitoring plans at county, landscape, and concession levels. 4

2. Background and Purpose of the Field Visit