Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
By Josiah Pailay/+231881913880/+231775260307/ [email protected]
Emmanuel Weah II, a lecturer of the Natural Resource Department at Cuttington University, is urging Liberians to embrace sustainable forest development practices if Liberia must transform to another level.
Already, Liberia is rich in biodiversity and vast forest resources under threat from rampant deforestation, it’s from this background Mr. Weah is emphasizing the urgent demand for a collective transformation towards responsible environmental stewardship by every Liberians.
In a chat with the Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network in Gbarnga recently Mr. Weah stressed the essential role forests play in the lives of Liberians and the overall health of their environment.
“Forests are not just trees; they are vital ecosystems that support wildlife, regulate climate, and provide livelihoods for many communities,” he stated. “We must recognize their importance and take action to protect them.”
Mr. Emmanuel Weah’s advocacy comes at a time when the Country facing significant environmental challenges, including illegal logging, land clearing for agriculture, and urban expansion.
According to him, these activities have overseen to alarming rates of deforestation, threatening not only the country’s natural resources but also the well-being of the Liberian People.
“Deforestation is not simply an environmental issue; it’s also socio-economic which influences food security, water quality, and the health of the 15 Counties of Liberia ” the CU’s professor warned added.
Mr. Weah wants everyone especially policymakers develop the concept of “afforestation,” a term he describes as a sustainable management of forest resources that balances ecological health and at the same time time promotes economic development across the nation.
“Aforestration is about uncovering peace between human demands and environmental sustainability,” Weah told Journalist.
He therefore emphasized the significance of wildlife conservation, adding that many species in Liberia’s major forest region are currently living in danger and are no longer safe due to the consistent deforestation of forest.
He continued “Wildlife is a vital component of our forests and it plays a critical role in conserving ecological features,” noting that “By safeguarding the Country’s forests sector.
He stressed the need to consistently raise awareness on the preservation of Liberia forests, which he has been vigorously engaging with students, local communities, including policymakers to facilitate sustainable practices in Bong County Central Liberia.
The Cuttington University Natural Resource Management lecturer believes that education is key to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility where everyone can now make an impact on their communities.
“Together we can make Liberia better where international guests visit and our country will generate more revenue to foster development in other sectors of the country” Mr. Weah underscored.
