The Deputy Ambassador at the British Embassy near Monrovia has praised the Liberian media for its critical role in strengthening forest governance across the country.
Ambassador Joanna Markbreiter noted that Liberian journalists are making significant progress in shifting from event-based reporting to more in-depth, data-driven analysis of forest governance issues.
The British envoy made the remarks over the weekend during the “Forest Media Day” awards ceremony organized by the Liberia Media Center (LMC) with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through the Multi-Stakeholder Forest Governance and Accountability Project (MFGAP).
According to Ambassador Markbreiter, targeted training programs, field missions, editorial coaching, and security workshops have helped Liberian journalists build expertise in forest laws, policy processes, and environmental governance.
She particularly commended the media community for what she described as a measurable increase in coverage of forest governance and illegal activities in the sector.
“We are here tonight to recognize the top-performing reporters covering the forest sector across print, radio, and online platforms. Beyond celebrating these individual successes, we are also here to acknowledge the broader transformation in Liberia’s media landscape when it comes to forest issues,” the British diplomat said.
She observed that media outlets across various platforms and audiences are becoming increasingly engaged in reporting on critical forest issues, noting a rise in front-page coverage and prime-time news segments. She added that both the quantity and quality of reporting have improved significantly.
“This gives Liberian journalists the credibility and background needed to produce accurate, impactful reporting that people can use as a basis for action and accountability. And the results are tangible,” she said.
“We can see firsthand how the media is strengthening the rule of law—challenging impunity, informing citizens, and shaping policy dialogue across Liberia’s forest sector.”
Highlighting the importance of the media in society, Ambassador Markbreiter described it as a vital institution for informing the nation.
She also praised MFGAP as an important forest governance initiative funded by the United Kingdom to help ensure that the people of Liberia benefit fairly from their forest resources while managing them sustainably.
She encouraged journalists to continue reporting on issues that ensure forest resources benefit the broader public rather than a select few.
“Once forests are mismanaged, they cannot easily be restored, and public trust is difficult to regain,” she warned.
“Since 2020, MFGAP has worked diligently to build the capacity of Liberian journalists to report on forest sector issues in ways that inspire action and accountability,” the British envoy added.
More than 100 Liberian journalists have benefited from several rounds of training under the British government-funded initiative.
To assess the level of reporting by participating journalists, the LMC conducted weekly media monitoring of national and community radio stations, newspapers, and online television platforms. The monitoring provided periodic assessments of coverage related to media campaigns, commercial forestry, community forestry, and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) issues.
Forest Media Day is an annual event that highlights the work of top-performing Liberian forest reform reporters who investigate and report on developments in the sector.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Representative of Grand Gedeh County District 3, Jacob C. Debee, expressed excitement about the growing role of the Liberian media in reporting on forest governance issues.
He called for increased visibility and coverage of the sector, warning that if adequate attention is not given, Liberia risks losing a significant portion of its forests and natural resources to illegal migrants and other illicit activities.
Victor A. Mayue, Officer-in-Charge at the LMC, thanked the British government for its continued support to the Liberian media in promoting transparency and accountability in forest governance.
On behalf of the LMC, Mr. Mayue also congratulated all journalists who participated in the contest for their growing interest in reporting on the forest sector.
Meanwhile, journalist Eric Opa Doue of Zar Mac Studio in River Cess County emerged as the first-place winner of the award. Henry B. Gboluma Jr. of Gbarpolu Radio/TV secured second place, while Esau Farr of The DayLight finished third.
Doue received a motorbike as the top prize, Gboluma was awarded a laptop, and Farr received a smartphone.
