By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Lamin Sunno, President of the Gmelina Peg and Supporters Association, has publicly condemned the abrupt and unannounced closure of multiple forest plantations across the country, accusing the Department of Forestry (DoF) of failing to consult stakeholders or issue prior notice. The controversial decision, which includes an embargo on felling coppices in six Gmelina arborea and Tectona grandis plantations, has triggered widespread concern among silvicultural practitioners, the construction industry, and families reliant on forest resources for their livelihoods.
Sunno’s remarks come in response to a recent DoF announcement prohibiting coppice felling, a move he claims has blindsided stakeholders and caused significant financial losses. Speaking to this outlet, Sunno expressed frustration over the lack of communication, emphasizing that it has been a longstanding tradition for the DoF to issue notices before plantation closures to mitigate economic fallout. “The abrupt and unnoticed closure of the plantations has inflicted significant financial losses to silvicultural practitioners, the construction industry, and families who depend on energy for their livelihoods,” Sunno stated.
The Gmelina Peg and Supporters Association, a key partner of the DoF, represents nearly 50 members whose livelihoods are tied to silvicultural practices. Sunno highlighted the association’s longstanding collaboration with the DoF under the leadership of the previous five directors, during which stakeholders were consistently informed of decisions impacting forest operations. “We are very disappointed with the decision of the DoF to close the plantations without giving notice to stakeholders whose livelihoods depend on the forest,” he said. “Silvicultural practices have been ongoing in the six plantations since their establishment, playing a crucial role in providing support to the construction industry, supplying firewood to urban households, and generating income for the DoF.”
Currently, silvicultural activities are limited to the Sotokoi Gmelina Plantation, where operations continue under the supervision of the plantation manager and staff. Sunno warned that closing this plantation would exacerbate financial losses for many Gambians. “Our association membership alone stands at close to fifty, and many other stakeholders will be seriously impacted if the closure is not reversed for the interest of poor Gambians who deserve a decent living in this country,” he said.
Sunno also dismissed claims that silvicultural practices are destroying forests, arguing that these activities, which date back to the 1960s, focus on selectively cutting unneeded coppices on stumps to promote healthy forest growth. “Right now, the plantations are in the second clear-felling period, which requires management and expertise in removing coppice stands to allow Gmelina to grow freely,” he explained. He cautioned that the closures could hinder critical forest management tasks, including annual coppice thinning, accessibility clearing, massive restoration, fire protection, waste management, and efforts to combat illegal felling. “Closing these plantations will make these activities impossible,” Sunno told this medium.
The association president called on the government, including the President, to intervene and lift the embargo, which he described as unnecessary and detrimental to the livelihoods of many Gambians. He also challenged the Ministry of Environment and the DoF to substantiate their claims of forest destruction caused by silvicultural practices, demanding transparency and accountability.
Adding to the controversy, Sunno criticized the DoF for assigning unqualified staff to manage plantations, arguing that their lack of knowledge and skills poses a significant threat to forest management. “These unqualified staff are the real dangers to the plantations, as they have no expertise in plantation management,” he said.
Kebba Jammeh, a veteran plantation management expert, echoed Sunno’s concerns, confirming that it is customary for the DoF to provide timely notice of plantation closures. He noted that such decisions are typically made between August and September, coinciding with key activities like restoration, planting, and clearing. Jammeh urged the DoF to engage in dialogue with stakeholders to mitigate the adverse effects of the closures. “This decision will undoubtedly impact a significant number of Gambian families, which should have been considered to avoid damage to their businesses,” he said.
The closures have sparked broader concerns about the economic ripple effects on industries reliant on forest resources. The construction sector, which relies on Gmelina and Tectona timber for its needs, faces potential disruptions, while urban households reliant on firewood may struggle to meet their energy needs. The DoF’s decision has also raised questions about the balance between environmental conservation and economic sustainability, with stakeholders arguing that silvicultural practices are essential for both forest health and the livelihoods of local communities.
As the controversy unfolds, the Gmelina Peg and Supporters Association continues to demand urgent action to reverse the embargo and restore dialogue with the DoF. Sunno emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to ensure that forest management decisions prioritize the welfare of the Gambian people. “We are calling for fairness and transparency,” he said. “The government must act swiftly to address this crisis and protect the livelihoods of those who depend on our forests.”
The DoF has yet to respond to the association’s demands or provide justification for the closures. As tensions rise, stakeholders await a resolution that balances environmental goals with the economic realities of those who rely on the nation’s forests.
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