NATIONAL NEWS
U.S.A, New York – Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainably managing its forests while harnessing their economic potential. The pledge was made during a ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters on Tuesday marking the International Day of Forests.
Delivering Liberia’s statement at the March 24 event, held under the theme “Forests and Economies,” Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E. Baba Sillah, addressed delegates and guests.
By: Sampson W Weah sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
Sillah expressed appreciation to the organizers and emphasized the critical role Liberia’s forests play both nationally and globally.
“Liberia is home to more than 42 percent of the Upper Guinean Forests, one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems,” he said.
He noted that the country’s forests support livelihoods, protect biodiversity, regulate the climate, and contribute significantly to sustainable development.
Sillah highlighted the forestry sector’s direct contribution to national revenue through sustainable timber production and exports. He also underscored the importance of non-timber forest products—such as honey, medicinal plants, fruits, and natural fibers—to rural communities.
Additionally, he pointed to the role forests play in household energy, agroforestry, small-scale enterprises, and emerging opportunities in ecotourism, conservation ventures, and climate finance.
According to Sillah, Liberia has established a strong legal and policy framework to promote inclusive and responsible forest governance. He referenced key instruments including the National Forestry Reform Law, the National Forestry Policy, and the country’s “three Cs” approach—Commercial, Community, and Conservation forestry.
He also cited the Community Rights Law and Liberia’s REDD+ strategy as essential tools for conservation and access to climate finance.
Despite these efforts, Sillah called for stronger international cooperation to fully unlock the economic and environmental potential of forests.
“We call for increased, predictable, and sustainable financing, technology transfer, and capacity building, along with fair market access and equitable benefit sharing,” he said.
He further urged the international community to fully recognize and value ecosystem services such as carbon storage, watershed protection, and biodiversity conservation.
Sillah described Liberia’s approach as a balance between conservation and responsible economic use, stressing that sustainably managed forests can drive resilience, prosperity, and environmental stewardship.
He added that forests are vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and addressing climate change.
“Let us work together to ensure that forests remain vital to both our economies and our planet,” he concluded.
The statement comes amid growing calls at the United Nations for more ambitious financing and policy measures to ensure forests worldwide are conserved while contributing to local and national development.
