Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has handed over wildlife lab equipment including face shield, rain boots, respirator, among others, worth 10,000 USD to the Liberia Forestry Development Angecy (FDA) in support of wildlife surveillance activities.
Speaking at their hand over ceremony during the weekend at the One UN Building in Monrovia, FOA Representative Mrs. Binta Stephen Tchicaya said, the continued loss of species and the degradation of their habitats threaten humanity, as people all over the world depend on the resources to meet their needs.
According to her, Wildlife loss threatens has undermine the entire ecosystems and jeopardize the well-being of all who depend on them which has become the leading cause of closer contact between wildlife and humans, resulting to the increase in the risk of spread of zoonotic diseases.
She said, the statistics have showed that more than 8,400 species of wild fauna and flora are critically endangered, while nearly 30,000 more are considered as threatened or vulnerable.
” In the year 2020 workplan, FAO had envisaged to conduct wildlife surveillance, including capturing of rodents and bats in forests and wetlands to collect samples for Lassa fever, Ebola, Avian Influenza and other diseases for laboratory analysis in collaboration with FDA. Consequently, a National Wildlife Expert was hired for this activity and supplies valued at approximately USD 10,000 were procured. However, there were delays in procurements occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and related challenges. Unfortunately, our funding partners were unable to continue supporting the field activities in the subsequent years. Regrettably, the expert had to leave, but fortunately we have the supplies that should benefit FDA if put to good use,” FOA Representative Mrs. Binta Stephen Tchicaya explained.
She promises their continue support to FDA for the conservation and sustainable development of the Liberian forest and wildlife resources in order to maintain environmental quality and optimum benefits for all segments of society.
Speaking on behalf of FDA, the Deputy Director for Operation, Mr. Joseph Tally assures FAO that the equipment provided to them will be used for its intended purpose.
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