J. Nathaniel Daygbor
7 November 2008
Behind the seen negotiations, spearheaded by authorities of the nation's forest management sector, are said to be taking place with President Ellen Johnson to push her into vetoing the recently passed new community rights law with respect to forest land.
It is gathered that those opting for the vetoing of the bill do not want communities to takeover control of the forest land as enshrined in the new law, which was recently, following months of intense discussion investigation, passed by the national legislature.
The investigation showed that authorities of the Forest Development Authorities (FDA) are reportedly lobbying with the office of the president, trying to induce her to not sign the bill into law, as required under the laws of Liberia.
According to the new bill, all forest lands are owned by local communities, and observers say if it is signed into law by the president, the FDA have limited authority to apportion forest land to investors. This also means, it shall do so in consultation with affected communities.
But it seems that the creation of the act is threatening the absolute authority of those concerned.
"The FDA will have less authority over forest land, concession companies coming into the country for the business may prefer to issue with locals and FDA will only be the regulatory arm of government," this paper has learnt.
However, the authorities at the FDA and even the Executive Mansion could not give any comprehensive responses on the issue when contacted.
FDA's Managing Director, John T. Woods declined to comment on the issue.
He told our reporter he could only comment on the issue if he was sent a formal communication, praying him to address himself to the allegation.
For his part, Presidential Press Secretary Cyrus Badio said his office was not aware of such events, but promised to make frantic efforts in the soonest possible time.
Chapter three section 3.3 and 3.4 of the Act states Customary land ownership whether held by individuals, families or collective groups of persons in accordance with local tradition and custom is a lawful category of land ownership and shall be upheld and recognized as a property right protected under law.
For the purpose of respecting citizen rights to forest land and to promote good governance within the forest sector, the objectives of this law include recognizing and securing the rights of communities with respect to ownership, occupation, and use of customary forest lands; establishing a framework that enables communities to assume self-reliant and autonomous management of forest land under clear rules and obligations; and specifying the duties of the government of Liberia and specifically its representative, the Forest Development Authority, to ensure that the rights of forest land communities are respected and upheld.
Also, it seeks to identify the procedures and limitations through or under which any party, including the Forest Development Authority, is bound to pursue forest-related activities so as not to jeopardize or interfere with community forest land rights; provide clear mechanisms through which contested access, rights, terms of agreement or other matters affecting community forest lands or land under community guardianship will be mediated and resolved, including channels through which any aggrieved person or community may seek redress for violations of the law; and to invigorate local economies and foster conservation through community-based forest management and enterprise for the benefit of present and future.
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