MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Dayugar Johnson, Team Leader of the Civil Society Independent Forest Monitors (CS-IFM), presented a detailed analysis of the successes and challenges of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) during the Liberia Forest Media Watch (LFMW) Media Forum on Friday, January 24, 2025. The event, held at Fuzion in Sinkor, Monrovia, gathered stakeholders to discuss the state of Liberia’s forestry sector and its role in ensuring sustainable practices.
In his presentation, Johnson highlighted several key successes attributed to the VPA, including the strengthening of governance frameworks and the introduction of the Liberian Legality Assurance System (LAS). He also noted that capacity-building initiatives had significantly enhanced the skills of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the media, and local communities. Another positive outcome was the increased transparency within the sector, with greater public access to forestry-related data, such as concession agreements.
Johnson further pointed out the tangible community benefits under the VPA, particularly the payment of outstanding community benefits in accordance with the Community Rights Law. The agreement also facilitated credible timber exports, opening access to international markets, and fostered stakeholder collaboration by encouraging inclusive decision-making that involved CSOs, the private sector, and communities.
However, Johnson did not shy away from discussing the challenges that continue to hinder the full success of the VPA. He expressed concern about the weak enforcement of laws, particularly the lack of sufficient sanctions for non-compliant logging companies. Additionally, Johnson emphasized the limited financial resources allocated for capacity-building and the operation of the LAS, which have impeded progress.
Corruption and political will were also flagged as significant barriers to sustainable forestry practices, with political dynamics undermining the implementation of key reforms. Community discontent, stemming from delays in benefit-sharing and the exclusion of marginalized groups, was another challenge raised. Johnson also pointed out the procedural and technical barriers to issuing Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT) licenses, which has resulted in delays and, consequently, loss of market access and revenue.
The discussion extended to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), with Johnson highlighting the governance gaps in its implementation. Unlike the VPA, the EUDR focuses more on reducing deforestation impacts rather than strengthening local governance systems. Furthermore, the EUDR lacks financial support for local capacity-building efforts and does not include FLEGT licensing in its compliance measures, potentially jeopardizing Liberia’s market and economic interests.
Johnson called on the Government of Liberia (GOL) to engage the EU Council and Parliament to reject the unilateral cancellation of the VPA and demand a proper consultation process. He urged for continued support of the VPA, emphasizing that it serves as a critical framework to enhance the implementation of the EUDR while aligning with the proposed Forest Partnerships. Johnson also advocated for diplomatic efforts to highlight Liberia’s commitment to sustainable forestry and governance reforms, stressing the detrimental impact of canceling the VPA on the country’s environmental, economic, and social well-being.
