LACRA Hosts Public and Private Sector Stakeholders Conference
Today we commenced a two day public and private sector stakeholders conference on the roadmap to EUDR implementation.
EUDR is the European Union Deforestation regulation an important turning point in the global fight against deforestation.
The EU regulations will start to apply on 30th December 2024 something that has prompted LACRA to lead coordinated efforts with public institutions in the Agricultural sector working on a roadmap to implement the regulations which encourages the use of products that do not contribute to deforestation, helping to lower greenhouse gas emissions and preserve biodiversity.
The Thursday’s conference was attended by Several institutions including Ministry of Agriculture, CARI, Liberia Land Authority, Forestry Development Authority, National Bureau of Concession among others.
In his remarks at the start of the conference, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of LACRA Honorable Christopher D. Sankolo stressed the need for stakeholders in the agricultural sector to see the EUDR as a Liberian initiative as cutting down or destroying 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 cutting down our forests for agriculture purpose” adding we need to take on an approach to safeguard our future.
He encouraged participants to localize the European Union Deforestation regulations into a Liberian regulations on forests management gear towards preserving the forests.
Our Board chair Honorable Josephine George Francis also spoke at the two day event and stressed the need to begin massive education about the regulations to enable farmers and other actors get a clearer understanding of the Law.
Farmers involvement is key in implementing this program she said, commending LACRA for taking the lead in an effort to ensure Liberia is compliant.
The United Nations Development Organization( UNIDO) has been providing technical support to LACRA by developing a roadmap leading to implementation.
UNIDO Focal Person on National Business Development Fredrick Gibson pledged his organization fullest support in working with LACRA and other stakeholders to ensure Liberia is compliant.
At the end of today’s session, an EUDR steering committee was formed headed by LACRA.
