Awareness and mobilization campaign carried-out in villages, towns and cities located in Western Nimba the site of the proposed Western Nimba Nature Reserve (WNNR). These exercises will be intended to provide relevant information to the targeted project population in order to solicit their total involvement and participation in the implantation of the proposed project. This activity is expected to last for one month, commencing March 1, 2013 to April 1, 2013.

b. Stakeholders meeting will take place in key cities with the following individuals and organizations in attendance: chiefs, elders, women groups, youth groups, religious sects and community based organizations with the singular objective of evolving a policy document that will commit all sides to the full and successful conduct of the proposed project. This aspect of the project activity will begin April 5, 2013 and end May 5, 2013.

c. A Desk Study will be conducted with the sole intend of placing the historical background of the region and people into proper context. It will mainly involve understanding the geography, population, habitat, and other essential socio-economic and political culture of the project environment. The desk study will detail issues that should impact policy makers to derive inform decision about the formulation of alternative livelihood strategy should the proposed legislation to declare Western Nimba a protected zone passes. Of particular interest to the desk study would be identifying sacred or areas of cultural or traditional significance to the preservation of their cultural heritage that may be endanger as a consequence of it becoming a protected forest. The impact it will have on agricultural activities with reference to maintaining food security for its inhabitants. It will also discuss the issue of income generation options for the citizens who source of income is principally depended on forest related products.