Monrovia, Liberia – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), on December 24, 2024, officially handed over a newly constructed eco-guesthouse with solar installation to the authorities of Grand Cape Mount County and the Mutamu Women Group of Sembehun.
This landmark 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. The Paramount Chief of Tombey District, Haji A. Sombai said the eco guesthouse will create jobs for residents and improve household incomes.
Chief Sombai praised the Liberian government and UNDP for the initiative described as “a legacy for the Sembehun Community” and appealed for similar development to be extended to other communities.
The project aims to empower the community to take ownership of the 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 the 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 the process.
Residents and leaders agreed to the architectural design for the guesthouse and the demolition of an unfinished structure on the land. This initiative marks UNDP’s 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.
UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Aliou Dia hailed the people of Sembehun community for their commitment and reaffirmed UNDP’s support to empowering women and youth. Dia noted that UNDP remains supportive of furnishing the facility.
The EPA Chief Technical Advisor, Benjamin S. Karmorh Jr. reiterated the government’s readiness to work with partners and the people of Sembehun. Karmorh urged community dwellers to preserve the protected area along Lake Piso and cautioned against the use of explosive chemicals that would kill animals in the water.
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.
This Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project inspired by UNDP, 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.
