Monrovia, Liberia – The Government of Liberia through the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA), is preparing to launch an ambitious nationwide tree-planting campaign aimed at restoring the country’s rapidly declining forest cover, with plans to plant at least two million trees across the country.
The initiative was revealed during a recent Cabinet meeting, according to Presidential Press Secretary Kula B. Fofana, when the EPA presented an environmental report warning that years of logging and other activities affecting natural resources are causing Liberia’s forests to be depleted at an alarming rate.
According to the EPA’s presentation, a significant amount of timber is still collected and processed into plywood, planks, and other wood products for both domestic and international building. The long-standing practice, according to officials, has drastically decreased forest cover and is adding to the nation’s mounting environmental problems.
In response, Madam Fofana stated that the EPA is gathering support for a nationwide tree-planting campaign that will strengthen climate resilience and restore degraded forest areas. The program is anticipated to plant over two million trees across the nation.
Additionally, according to Liberia’s Press Secretary, the project is a part of the government’s larger efforts to combat the effects of climate change and protect the environment. She did point out, though, that once preparations are complete, the EPA will release more information on the program, such as the precise kinds of trees to be planted and the official launch date.
According to Madam Fofana, the EPA also gave updates on efforts to mobilise climate funds to promote the development of renewable energy and coastal preservation during the Cabinet deliberations. She informed reporters at the presidential palace that cabinet members were looking into ways to further protect Liberia’s natural resources, including as hiring more forest rangers to enhance surveillance throughout forest areas.
Concerns about the increasing amount of heavy mining equipment in forest areas, which officials claim is hastening environmental degradation and endangering remaining forest reserves, were also voiced, according to the Press Secretary. According to her, the proposed tree-planting initiative is anticipated to be crucial in re-establishing ecological equilibrium and bolstering Liberia’s dedication to environmental preservation.
