The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources wishes to inform the general public that, with effect from 12th April 2025, the Honorable Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, acting under Section 133 of the Forest Act, 2018, is imposing an embargo on the felling of endangered forest trees.
In the same vein, The Honorable Minister, acting under powers conferred by the same act is
prohibiting the sale, purchase, and possession of forest produce taken, collected or produced in contravention of the Forest Act, 2018.
This imposition of this embargo underscores the ministry's commitment in taking decisive action in ensuring that our forests are protected to conserve our environment. The public is hereby informed that the ministry is embarking on a serious crackdown on illegal timber logging and other activities related to the exploitation of our forests. From 12th April 2025, to date, a total of 12 trucks laden with illegally obtained forest products have been impounded by the Department of Forestry. Consequently, any individual or entity found in possession of, or engaging in the sale or purchase of forest produce, collected in violation of the Forest Act, 2018, will face stringent legal consequences as outlined in the
Act, and the Criminal Code of The Gambia - including seizure of any instrument or thing
(such as chainsaws, vehicles, axes, cutlasses) used in illegally obtaining the forest produce, in line with Section 121 (1) of the Forest Act 2018.
Furthermore, the above shall equally apply to timber products obtained illegally beyond The Gambia's borders. In this regard, the competent Gambia Government authorities will continue to work closely with their counterparts in neighbouring countries, to strengthen collaborations, in order to protect the Sub-region's forest cover. All are hereby strictly warned to respect international territories and laws, as The Gambia stands strong in supporting the implementation of paneities thereto.
The Ministry therefore, urges all citizens, businesses, stakeholders and particularly government officers, to adhere strictly to this release, and anyone that wishes to engage in the trade of non-prohibited forest products must follow the due process, and obtain all required documentations as guided by law.
The Government of The Gambia remains steadfast, in its commitment to the conservation and sustainable management of our natural resources and international collaboration.
