The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), has officially handed over a newly constructed eco-guesthouse with solar installation to Grand Cape Mount County authorities and Mutamu Women Group of Sembehun.
Performing the handover recently, the Paramount Chief of Tombey District, Haji A. Sombai, says the facility will create jobs for residents and improve household incomes.
He praised the Liberian government and UNDP for the initiative he described as “a legacy for the Sembehun Community” while appealing for similar development to be extended to other communities.
For his part, UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Aliou Dia hailed the people of the Sembehun community for their commitment and reaffirmed UNDP’s support to empowering women and youth. Mr. Dia noted that UNDP remains supportive of furnishing the facility.
EPA Chief Technical Advisor Benjamin S. Karmorh, Jr., reiterates the government’s readiness to work with partners and the people of Sembehun.
Karmorh urges community dwellers to preserve protected areas along Lake Piso and cautioned against the use of explosive chemicals that would kill animals in the water.
The project represents a significant step toward community empowerment, sustainable tourism, and economic development in the sub-region. It is expected to benefit over one thousand (1,035) people living near Lake Piso.
It also aims to empower the community to own property and promote entrepreneurship. This initiative follows a feasibility study and engagement with residents about income generation needed for communities around Lake Piso to preserve protected areas along the lake.
The residents opted for an eco-guesthouse to boost their economy. The Women’s Organization of Sembehun, also known as Mutamu, provided the land to build the guesthouse as a sign of commitment and willingness to participate.
Residents and leaders agreed to the architectural design for the guesthouse and the demolition of an unfinished structure on the land.
UNDP says this initiative marks commitment to strengthening sustainable management of natural resources, ecosystem services, and biodiversity at the national and community levels, being environmentally friendly and energy-efficient, and supporting institutions and policies.
The project will also support Sembehun’s women-led initiatives, allowing women to take leadership roles in critical economic endeavors, showcasing their capabilities, and fostering confidence. It will also stimulate local livelihood income and attract tourists seeking unique eco-tourism experiences.
The solar-powered eco-guesthouse cost over a hundred thousand United States dollars. Tourists will access the facilities, tour mangrove areas, and travel to surrounding beaches by kehkeh and boat for an eco-tourism experience.
Inspired by UNDP, this Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project showcases the power of collaboration between development partners, government agencies, local communities, and women-led organizations. It is a testament to what can be achieved when communities take ownership of their development and partners work together to support inclusive and sustainable growth.
The UNDP Energy & Environment Programme aims to promote sustainable development by supporting community-led projects that balance economic growth with environmental conservation. Press Release
