The Forestry Development Authority (FDA) on Friday, May 16, 2025 celebrated the 15th anniversary of National Tree Planting Day in Liberia. The program was held at the Paynesville City Hall, district #5, Montserrado County, under the theme, “Plant Trees, Save Lives”.
Giving a brief remark during the program, the Managing Director of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), Rudolph J. Merab Sr., said trees are necessary for living, and therefore citizens should plant more trees every year in order to restore the hector of land lost due to degradation. The managing director also thanked the current FDA management, special invited guests, students and partners for gracing the occasion.
In remark, the sixteenth President of the University of Liberia (UL), Dr. Layli Maparyan, emphasized the importance of the forest, noting that the forestry profession in Liberia needs young people who have decided and have the passion to work in the forest sector of the nation.
Dr. Maparyan mentioned the importance of the relationship between the Forestry Training Institute (FTI) and the University of Liberia (UL). The Forestry Training Institute (FTI) is a cardinal educational institution in Liberia that trains foresters, particularly in the sciences, under FDA.
She emphasized that the University of Liberia (UL) is currently working on a memorandum of understanding that will allow students from the Forestry Training Institute (FTI) with their associate degree to enter the University of Liberia and continue their studies.
In conclusion, Dr. Maparyan expressed thanks and appreciation to the former bush meat sellers for the awareness they are doing across the country.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Jeremiah Kpan Koung, the Chief of Office Staff to the VP, Prince Menkalo Gbieu, said the National Tree Planting Day was important to be observed.
“I bring you greetings from Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, who is unable to attend today’s program due to other pressing national engagement. He has asked me to represent him at this remarkable event, for which I am humbled.
“Today, we gather here to celebrate National Tree Planting Day, a day dedicated to planting trees and fostering a deeper connection with our environment while committing ourselves to a future of national sustainable development under the stewardship of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai through the ARREST agenda,” Gbieu addressed his audience.
The VP’s COS said Liberia is blessed with abundant natural resources, from lush rainforest to vibrant biodiversity, and that trees play a fundamental role in the ecosystem; they consume carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produce oxygen as bi product, which serves to improve air quality and create habitats for countless biodiversity.
“Today, as we plant trees, we honor their integral role in our lives and communities. This occasion is not just about reforesting our landscape; it signifies a collective commitment to combat the threats of deforestation, climate change, and environmental degradation. As we witness the impact of these challenges, we must recognize the importance of trees in mitigating climate efforts and promoting sustainable development. It is an opportunity to educate and inspire all generations about trees’ crucial role in preserving our environment. Each tree we plant today is a legacy for our children and posterity.
“It is a promise that we will protect our natural heritage and foster an environment where both nature and humanity can thrive. Moreover, this initiative offers us a chance to come together as communities. Therefore, Honorable Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of Liberia, wants to use this occasion to encourage everyone—schools, families, local organizations and the Forestry Development Authority (FDA)—to unite in this effort. We must collaborate to ensure that our tree planting efforts are not merely a one-day affair but a sustained commitment to the reforestation of the Liberian landscape. Let us embrace National Tree Planting Day with the spirit of unity and purpose. Let us make this day a nationwide movement, engaging in activities that promote awareness, conservation, and restoration of our natural spaces,” he said.
He encouraged everyone to choose a variety of trees, “indigenous species that will thrive in our climate and support our local ecosystems”. According to him, each tree is a step towards a more sustainable Liberia, strengthening our commitment to environmental stewardship. He emphasized that the Vice President is concerned about the growing efforts of deforestation for economic empowerment. “As we look toward the future, let us recognize that the key to utilizing our forest economic growth lies in sustainable practices. We must prioritize policies that support responsible forest management, protect the rights of local communities, and promote the equitable sharing of benefits derived from our natural resources,” he stated.
Accordingly, the VP’s COS maintained that education and awareness are vital, and “therefore we must empower our citizens to understand the value of forests and engage in conservation efforts”. He pointed out that “Liberia has a unique opportunity to harness the economic potential of our future generations.
“By adopting sustainable practices, promoting ecotourism, investing in reforestation, leveraging our existing forests on the international carbon markets, we can cultivate a thriving economy that values our natural heritage. Together, let us work towards a greener, more prosperous Liberia, one where our forests are not only a source of pride but also a foundation for economic growth. Let’s plant, nurture, and protect our trees, recognizing that in doing so we are also planting the seeds for a brighter, greener future for Liberia.”
At the closing remark, the Deputy Managing Director for Commercial and Technical Services, Gertrude Korvayan Nyaley, underscored the importance of the occasion and the benefit of planting trees. She encouraged everyone to start planting trees in their respective environment as required by FDA. The Deputy Managing Director for Commercial and Technical Services also highlighted the gains made by Foresters, especially working with FDA. She applauded organizers of the program and all invited guests for making it a successful one. Nyaley led the guests and FDA officials out in the fence of Paynesville Town Hall where the first set of trees were planted. The first planting was done by the VP’s COS.