Two senators have voiced their frustration over laws restricting citizens from utilizing forest resources without providing tangible benefits.
Senators Wallington Geevon Smith of River Cess County and Semeon Taylor of Grand Cape Mount County are raising concerns about the economic difficulties their constituents face due to these regulations.
According to the senators, access to forest resources is crucial for the daily survival of many in their constituencies, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
During a recent constituency break, Smith and Taylor engaged with citizens who repeatedly expressed their struggles and demanded a reassessment of the current laws.
Senator Taylor recounted a visit to a town in his constituency where he personally observed the severe economic impacts resulting from restricted forest access. “My distinguished colleagues, it will surprise you to know that I myself saw what my people are going through when I went to that town,” he lamented.
Both senators highlighted that the restrictions are pushing citizens to seek individual assistance from their representatives, exacerbating the already dire situation.
Senators Smith and Taylor criticized the financial aid given to Liberia by international and forestry-focused organizations. They argued that these funds are inadequate compared to the potential economic loss faced by their communities. “If it was in Europe or some of these big countries, we would be discussing billions of dollars if they were told not to use their Forests,” Senator Smith asserted. They contend that such compensation in Africa, especially Liberia, is disproportionately low.
The senators are advocating for a thorough review of the forestry conservation laws, focusing on creating direct benefits for their constituencies. They emphasized the need for policies that address the economic realities of the rural population, ensuring that conservation efforts do not come at the expense of their livelihoods.
Liberia is a signatory to several international agreements concerning forest conservation and has established the Forestry Development Agency (FDA) to manage and conserve its forest resources sustainably.
According to the Liberia National Household Forest Survey (NHFS) and the 2018-2019 National Forest Inventory, Liberia’s forests cover over two-thirds of the country and are vital to both biodiversity and the economy.
Forestry is the fourth largest contributor to Liberia’s economy, following services, agriculture, and fisheries. The formal forest sector contributes 10% to the GDP and provides 39,880 full-time jobs, with a significant portion of these being filled by women. The informal sector, including chainsaw milling and the charcoal industry, also significantly benefits local communities, providing regular employment and contributing to the GDP.
Despite the economic benefits outlined in various reports, the senators remain concerned about the disparity between these benefits and the restrictive laws. They are calling for a reevaluation of how forestry policies are implemented to ensure that local communities receive their fair share of the economic benefits derived from forest resources.
Senators Wallington Geevon Smith and Semeon Taylor are urging their colleagues and policymakers to consider the economic hardships faced by rural communities under current forestry conservation laws and to seek a balanced approach that fosters both conservation and economic development.
