Meet the people safeguarding the sacred forests and lagoons of West Africa
In parts of West Africa, communities have designated biodiversity hotspots sacred and measure their value by the peace of mind they provide, rather than in dollars and cents.
When a logging company tried to force its way into a traditional forest in Daniel Karworo's hometown in rural Liberia, the machine got stuck in the mud and did not manage to cut down a single tree.
Karworo says the spirit of the sacred forest stopped the truck.
But he also remembers his aunts and relatives physically protesting to protect what they say is their priceless community forest.
"[The logging company] said the government already gave them papers to enter the forest," he recalls nearly 20 years later. "The people
