Empowering communities and women to advocate for their environmental and land rights through training on Liberian laws, documentation of violations, and formation of advocacy committees
Promoting forest conservation, biodiversity protection, and climate adaptation strategies, including community monitoring, mercury-free alternatives, and resilient agriculture.
Building capacity in young people through Climate Justice Hubs, ambassador training, and peer-led initiatives to drive grassroots change and intergenerational stewardship.
Agroecology for Resilient Livelihoods in Mining-Affected Communities
Our agroecological farming project is a vital intervention for frontline populations in Bong County who are disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis. These communities face severe suffering due to the legacy of the extractive industry, which has left their essential soils, lands, and water resources significantly damaged.
Guided by our commitment to climate justice, we are working in partnership with Friends of Liberia to restore and rehabilitate these spoiled lands, transforming degraded areas back into productive spaces for food security. We are introducing modern, climate-smart agricultural practices and ecological restoration techniques to empower local families to adapt to environmental shifts and grow sufficient, nutritious food. Currently focused on two key communities, this initiative provides the legal and technical empowerment necessary to turn land damage into resilient, self-sustaining livelihoods.
Community Voices Rising for Climate Justice in David Dean Town
We believe that real change begins when communities understand their rights and have the confidence to demand accountability. Our recent Legal Empowerment Training held in David Dean Town, Bong County, was a powerful reminder that communities affected by mining and environmental injustice are ready to lead the fight for climate justice and sustainable development.
This testimony video captures the voices, emotions, and commitment of community members who participated in the training. Participants expressed excitement and appreciation for the opportunity to learn about their environmental rights, community participation, and ways to peacefully engage policymakers and decision-makers. Many shared that, for the first time, they fully understood the importance of holding leaders and companies accountable for decisions that affect their land, environment, and livelihoods.
The training focused on empowering mining-affected communities with knowledge about legal rights, environmental protection, advocacy strategies, and citizen engagement. Through interactive discussions and practical learning sessions, participants explored how communities can organize, speak with one voice, and advocate for responsible mining practices and climate-resilient development.
One participant explained that the training has inspired community members to become more active in protecting their environment and ensuring that policymakers listen to the concerns of ordinary citizens. Others committed themselves to sharing the knowledge with fellow residents and using peaceful advocacy to demand transparency, fairness, and sustainable community development.
CLIMATE CHANGE & MITIGATION ADVOCACY
We go beyond raising awareness—YALL actively shapes national policy by engaging with government bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Our advocacy integrates climate justice principles into Liberia’s laws, ensuring that the real voices and needs of grassroots communities guide environmental decision-making.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP & CAPACITY BUILDING
At the center of our mission, we nurture young changemakers. Through Climate Justice Hubs in high schools, our trainings and ambassador network empower students to lead clean-ups, organize awareness campaigns, and champion climate action within their schools and beyond.
SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT & BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Protecting Liberia’s forests means protecting our future. YALL trains local committees to become community watchdogs: monitoring forest health, reporting illegal logging, and leading tree planting and conservation efforts, all while respecting local livelihoods and traditions.
WOMEN'S LAND RIGHTS & COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
Women are essential to sustainable land use. YALL ensures women have a seat at decision-making tables, providing targeted training, fostering economic empowerment, and amplifying their voices in land governance and advocacy networks.
COMMUNITY CLIMATE JUSTICE LEGAL EMPOWERMENT
Our flagship initiative. We deliver intensive workshops in mining-affected regions, equipping over 5,000 residents to defend their rights with the law. Communities form their own “Climate Legal Advocacy Committees” to document violations, demand accountability, and take charge of their environment.
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL LEGAL ADVOCACY
We empower marginalized communities to become their own best advocates under international and Liberian law. Residents learn to document environmental violations, engage in policy dialogue, and secure justice for environmental harm—bridging the gap between government action and community needs.
Our Strategic Approach
Aligning community wisdom with legal power to create a resilient Liberia.
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Legal Empowerment
We train communities to use environmental laws to protect their land and health from industrial harm.
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Youth Mobilization
Our Climate Ambassadors lead the way in schools, turning awareness into local policy action.
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Practical Alternatives
Promoting safe mining and green businesses so that economic growth never costs us our environment.
Our Partners
What Communities Are Saying
Voices from the ground, driving real change
"Before joining the Climate Justice Hub, I only heard about climate change on the radio but didn’t understand how it affected my life. Through the training, I learned about climate justice and my rights under the law. Now, I lead clean-up drives in my school and talk to my classmates about waste management. I feel proud that my voice matters, and I am part of a movement that is protecting our future."
Evelyn M. Kerkulah
CJH Ambassador – William R. Tolbert High School
"Becoming a Climate Ambassador changed how I see myself. I used to think students couldn’t influence big issues like mining or pollution. But after the quiz tournament and legal empowerment training, I realized knowledge is power. I now organize awareness sessions in my community, and even my parents listen when I explain environmental rights. It feels like we are building something bigger than ourselves."
Mantein S. Vulu Jr.
CJH Ambassador – N. V. Massaquoi High School
"Mining has destroyed our streams, and we felt helpless for years. When YALL came with the legal empowerment workshop, I learned that we have rights under Liberian law. Together, we formed an Advocacy Committee, and now we meet regularly to document violations. For the first time, I believe we can hold those responsible accountable. It is no longer just complaints; we are taking action."
Community Participant
Yowee Town
"Before, we thought the government would never listen to us. But through the workshops, we learned how to use legal tools and collective action. Our Advocacy Committee has already started writing complaints about illegal mining. I feel proud that our voices are being heard. We are no longer victims; we are defenders of our land.”
Community Member
Victoria Gbailai, Gbankoneh Town
"I joined the training because I wanted to understand why our farms were failing. The facilitators explained how unsafe mining practices affect soil and water. We learned mercury-free alternatives and how to report violations. I am now part of the Advocacy Committee, and we are planning to meet with the EPA. I feel empowered to protect my children’s future."
Elizabeth Beadeh
David Dean Town
I used to believe mining was only for survival, even if it destroyed our rivers. But the training showed us safer ways and gave us confidence to demand better practices. Now, I talk to other miners about mercury-free techniques. It is not easy, but I see hope that we can mine responsibly and still feed our families
Mr. David G. Cooper
"When the workshop came to our town, I was skeptical. I thought nothing could change. But after learning about our environmental rights and joining the Advocacy Committee, I feel different. We are united, and we know how to document violations. The EPA is now working with us, and I believe our community can finally protect our water and land. This is the first time I feel we have real power."