Liberia

The two neighbouring countries, Libera and Sierra Leone, are situated in the heart of the Upper Guinea forest region. This region is one of the earth's most biologically diverse and was originally covered by a continuous block of dense tropical rainforest, ranging from Guinea south through Sierra Leone, and Liberia to Ivory Coast and Ghana.

The African elephant is the largest living land mammal. It once inhabited most of the continent, from the Mediterranean coast down to its south tip. This picture of elephant range today is one of scattered, fragmented populations south of the Sahara Desert. Estimates suggested that elephant populations had more than halved in several areas between 1981-87.

This report takes stock of the existing situation regarding nature conservation, wildlife and national parks in Liberia, and puts forward several proposals to remedy the situation described - which at first might seem hopeless. Urgent measures are absolutely necessary or the point of no return will be reached in Liberia, with all the economic and ecological consequences which that implies.