In
line with Section 16, Sub Section 3 of the Forestry Act, the Ministry of
Forestry, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources wishes to inform
the general public that the import, transport and export of timber (Logs), have
been suspended with immediate effect until further notice.
Forestry
staff of the Department of Forestry, the Gambia Revenue Authority, the Gambia
Port Authority and all other institutions involved in the issuance of certified
documents, that enable legal transportation and export of timber, are hereby
instructed to stop issuing such documents until further notice.
The
notice is extended to all Regional Authorities, Wood Vendors, Transport owners
and security agencies across the country. We are working closely with concerned
stakeholders to regulate the trade in timber for the benefit of all Gambians.
The
Regional Forestry Officers, foresters and security officers are instructed to
impound any vehicle found with logs.
By
this notice, no timber is allowed to be loaded at the landing points or be
exported.
We
hereby sought the cooperation and support of all stakeholders until a win-win
solution is found in the trade of timber, bearing in mind the need to protect
the forest and the environment and adhering to international conventions on the
trade and export of timber.
