Duazon, Margibi County 02/10/2024 _ Andrew Y. Y. Zelemen, the Head of Secretariat, National Facilitator, and Program Manager at the National Union of Community Forestry Development Committees (NUCFDC), addressed critical issues impacting forest and land communities under the administration of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai as he appeals on Forest Hour at OK FM 99.5 on Thursday, October 3, 2024 beginning at 4:00pm.
Zelemen discussion will highlighted a growing concern that the government appears unresponsive to the pleas of forest communities, particularly from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. Despite ongoing requests, there has been a significant failure by the MFDP to ensure that a portion of the community share of land rental fees arrears in the 2024 National Budget is paid. Nearly ten months since the fiscal year of 2024 having passed without any payment made to the National Benefit Sharing Trust Board, raising alarms about the lack of support for these communities. What are the possible actions the affected communities may likely take against the government?
Zelemen discussion will also emphasize on how the NUCFDC is expanding its vision beyond traditional logging practices. The organization is now prioritizing customary land rights formalization, forest conservation and how the communities can be a part of Liberia carbon market readiness and all other discussion around. “We are actively looking at ways to support forest communities through sustainable practices that go beyond logging. He will elaborate on specific initiatives aimed at empowering these communities and promoting environmental stewardship.
Additionally, Zelemen will provide an update on community projects currently being implemented by Community Forestry Development Committees (CFDCs). He will discuss both the successes and challenges faced by these projects, underscoring their importance in fostering local engagement and sustainable development.
Looking ahead, Zelemen will speak on some upcoming international gatherings where the NUCFDC is expected to participate. He will outline the key messages and objectives that the organization aims to convey at these global meetings, focusing on advocating for the rights and needs of forest communities while promoting sustainable forestry practices, customary land rights and livelihoods enhancement.
As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that the NUCFDC remains committed to addressing the challenges faced by land and forest communities and is actively seeking solutions to enhance their livelihoods and protect their environments.
