By Fanta L. Keita

MONROVIA, July 12 (LINA) – The Director General of the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulation Authority (LACRA) Mr. Christopher D. Sankolo has called on stakeholders in the agricultural sector to view the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) as Liberia’s initiative which is intended for the good of the country.

Speaking Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the Public and Private Stakeholders Conference on the Roadmap to EUDR implementation, Mr. Sankolo stated that the cutting down of trees in the forests will be catastrophic for the future of Liberia.

“We are aware of what climate change is doing to us which is as a result of engaging in harmful activities such as cutting down our forests for agriculture purposes. We need to take on an approach to safeguard our future,” he added.

He encouraged participants to localize the regulations into a Liberian regulation on forest management which, according to him, is geared towards preserving the forests.

Also, LACRA Program Director, Mr. Philip Kojoe Torborg indicated that the EUDR project is an important turning point in the global fight against deforestation.

He added that the implementation of the EU regulations will commence on December 30, 2024, citing that LACRA along with other public institutions have led coordinated efforts in the Agricultural sector, working on a roadmap to implement the regulations.

Mr. Torborg indicated that the regulation clearly stipulates that relevant commodities and products shall not be placed or made available on the EU market, unless all the prescribed conditions are fulfilled.

He maintained that the regulation encourages the use of products that do not contribute to deforestation, helping to lower greenhouse gas emissions and preserve biodiversity.

At the same time, LACRA Board Chair, Madam Josephine George Francis, stressed the need to begin massive education about the regulations to enable farmers and other actors to get a clearer understanding of the Law.

She added that the involvement of farmers in the implementation of the project is key to implementing the program, hailing LACRA for taking the lead to ensure Liberia is compliant.

For his part, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Representative and the Focal Person to the project, Mr. Fredrick Gibson pledged his organization’s support towards the implementation of the project.

The conference was graced by representatives of several institutions including Ministry of Agriculture, CARI, Liberia Land Authority, Forestry Development Authority, and National Bureau of Concession and among others.