Director Kpaiseh Pushes Forestry Agenda In Kenya

The Deputy Managing Director for Administration and Finance of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), Victor W. Kpaiseh, has assured member countries of the 13^th Governing Council of Parties to the Lusaka Agreement that Liberia is committed to ending threats against wild fauna and flora.

   Deputy Director Kpaiseh made the statement in Nairobi, Kenya during a two-day 13^th Governing Council to the Lusaka Agreement Taskforce stakeholders meeting. The forum was held from June 27 to June 28, 2024. The event was also held alongside the IUCN Africa Conservation Forum, which runs from June 24 to June 28.

   He told the gathering that, in order to ensure that the country’s wild fauna and flora are safeguarded, the Government of Liberia (GOV) has made a commitment by setting aside at least 30% of the country’s forest for conservation. This, according to him, is being achieved by the creation of protected areas across the country.

   Accordingly, Deputy Director Kpaiseh revealed that Liberia’s rich natural heritage is being threatened by poaching and trafficking, specifically targeting forest elephants, pangolins, western chimpanzees and timneh parrots.

   Additionally, Director Kpaiseh indicated that the need to safeguard Liberia’s natural resources to promote sustainable development cannot be overemphasized. He informed member countries at the forum that tourism is one of the pillars of the government of Joseph N. Boakai and, as such, will ensure that all criminal networks linked to poaching and trafficking of the country’s iconic species are disrupted, culprit prosecuted and made to account for the illicit act.

   “Distinguished member states of the Lusaka Agreement Task Force, there is still a greater need to strengthen capacities of member states, promote transboundary collaboration and cooperation among countries,” he stated.

   Director Kpaiseh also used the occasion to applaud the Governing Council of Lusaka Agreement Taskforce and government of Kenya for always partnering with Liberia in addressing issues that affect the forest sector.