Rudolph J. Merab Sr, the Managing Director (MD) of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), has called on residents of Ziggida, Kpayaquelleh, and surrounding towns in Lofa County to monitor the Wonegizi protected area and the Gbalin Forest for the benefit of their communities. This appeal was made during his recent visit to communities that host FDA-protected areas, accompanied by a delegation that included Weedor H. Gray, Technical Manager for Community Affairs; Comfort T. Sakui, Ecotourism Manager; Edward Appleton, Law Enforcement Manager; and Albert Blanyon, Technical Manager for Commercial Affairs.

“We have come to see you,” Director Merab stated at a town hall meeting in Konia. “We have not come to the forest itself; we have come to you. We aim to protect this area for investors, and my job is to work with you, the community members. We want you to express what is in your hearts, not just what we want to hear.” He further urged residents to help keep the forest protected for the future benefit of their children.

During the Konia town hall meeting, attended by representatives from six out of the seventeen towns surrounding the Wonegizi Forest, Director Merab encouraged community members to communicate their needs to the FDA. He assured them that the current management is dedicated to addressing essential community needs. “You come first, and the forest is second. We want to use the forest to improve your lives.”

At the Kpayaquelleh meeting, the FDA MD reiterated the importance of preserving the forest for community welfare. While acknowledging the departure of the logging company previously operating in the area, he emphasized that the government, through the FDA, is obligated to find a replacement company to manage the forest. However, this can only happen if the community protects the forest. He cautioned that illegal activities such as pit sawing and farming would threaten the forest's sustainability.

The meetings allowed citizens and the FDA delegation to discuss strategies for preserving the forest for potential investors. Director Merab informed former workers of Alfa that efforts are underway to address their unpaid wages.

Forkpa Vewu, General Town Chief, and James Tarnue, a local landlord, praised the FDA for raising awareness about the forest's importance. Landlord Tarnue urged the FDA and its partners to restore local roads and empower community members to prevent forest destruction. He noted that without improvements to residents' livelihoods, the forest would be at risk, as many rely on farming for survival. He also highlighted the urgent need for bridge construction and road rehabilitation.

Additionally, Lavela Gayflor, youth chair of Dorzemilor town, requested the establishment of a vocational school to support young people in developing skills essential for forest preservation.

At the Kpayaquelleh meeting, Madam Lorpu M. Gbaba, the Clan Chief of Gbalin Clan, expressed gratitude to Director Merab for reaching out. She stated that the citizens of Gbalin Clan are committed to preserving the concession area but require support from the FDA. She noted that farmers, particularly from Bong County, have been encroaching on the concession area. The residents recognize the importance of the forest and are determined to protect it. John Vava from the Community Land Development Management Committee (CLDMC) also assured Director Merab of their commitment to collaborating with the FDA.

The Konia town hall meeting brought together youth, chiefs, elders, and representatives from Fauna Flora (F&F). The delegation concluded their visit with an inspection of the Alfa logs site.