By: Ben Morris
The Liberia Chainsaw and Timber Dealers Union over the weekend concluded a
daylong stakeholder dialogue in Grand Kru County, focusing on raising awareness
about national chainsaw regulations and promoting sustainable forest
management.
The dialogue, held in Barclayville, brought together representatives from
community groups, environmental organizations, government agencies, and the
private sector.
The meeting aimed to deepen understanding of chainsaw-related regulations
issued by the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and to strengthen
stakeholder engagement in protecting Liberiaโs forest resources.
Established by the Liberian government, the Union seeks to promote
responsible timber practices and ensure that logging activities comply with
environmental standards.
The groupโs efforts are in line with national goals to combat illegal
logging and encourage community participation in forest governance.
Speaking to the media after the session, Julius Kamara, team lead of the
Union, emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration in safeguarding
Liberiaโs forests.
โThere is a critical need for collective action in preserving our forest
resources. These regulations are not just rules, they are tools for sustainable
development,โ Kamara stated.
He noted that the chainsaw regulations, developed in partnership with the
FDA, are designed to control the use of chainsaws in logging activities,
ensuring that such tools are used legally and sustainably.
The president of the Liberia Chainsaw and Timber Dealers Union also called
for a unified commitment to sustainable forestry practices, stressing that the
countryโs forests are a vital national asset that must be protected for future
generations.
The event concluded with a renewed pledge by participants to work closely
with communities and government institutions to promote legal compliance,
environmental education, and sustainable livelihoods in the forestry sector.
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