Forestry Development Authority (FDA) Deputy Managing Director for Administration and Finance, Victor W. Kpaiseh, has decried the country’s deforestation. Kpaiseh attributed the situation to the lack of limited resource and some legal instruments (not named) that limit the institution from having full control over the forest landscape. He added that Liberia’s national heritage is gradually depleting on a daily basis. Kpaiseh said while the FDA registered its appreciation to all relevant government institutions, donors, conservation partners and communities for supporting their efforts in forest conservation as they strive to achieve the national target of at least 30 percent forest cover for conservation and improve livelihoods of communities; the threats to those precious resources are mounting. He said, the presence of a huge number of Burkinabe’s and other illegal intruders in the forest is contributing largely to wild range of habitat destruction. He made the assertion recently in Paynesville at programs marking the commemoration of World Wildlife Day, which was held under the theme: “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” The 2026 World Wildlife Day serves as a platform to highlight the vital role of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in sustaining Human Health, Cultural Heritage and Local Livelihoods. It showcases the diversity of those species, their contributions to traditional knowledge and primary healthcare. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) are essential for both human health and well-being, as they form the foundation of many traditional healthcare systems, contribute to modern medicine and support diverse industries ranging from cosmetics and food to agriculture. “My fellow Liberians. Sincerely, I have not come to celebrate with you today, but to cry on you for action to protect our forest that is under massive destruction,” he said. “What are we celebrating, destruction? I will not pretend to be happy when I should be crying.” Mr. Kpaiseh then commended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for including Tourism in the ARREST Agenda, stating: “said agenda cannot be achieved if government cannot properly conserve the major forest landscapes.” “I cannot boast with a team of armless rangers, who are in fact in limited numbers, and going against huge number of Burkinabe’s who are well armed and ready to counter them. “Let us recognize that the preservation of medicinal and aromatic plants is not just an environmental issue; it is a matter of human health, cultural integrity and economic sustainability. As we observe the World Wildlife Day, let us commit to safeguarding these natural treasures for future generations.” The occasion marked the 14th global celebration of the United Nations (UN) World Wildlife Day and the 7th program to be held in Liberia.
Macpherson C. Marbiah Writes/0886442881-0777250370