The Department of Forestry has issued a strong warning to estate developers and land buyers against encroaching on community forests and national parks, describing the practice as illegal and dangerous to public well-being.
Speaking exclusively to Gambiana, Director General Lieutenant-Colonel Salifo Corr said some individuals deliberately buy land within protected forest areas and quickly divide it into plots for sale, creating tension between communities and the government.
“There are people who are in the habit of trying to buy land in community forests and national parks. We are saying no to that,” Corr declared.
He urged land buyers to always verify whether land is part of a forest reserve before purchasing it, warning that ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse.
“Some people do it deliberately, sell the land quickly, and then push the government into a difficult situation where others claim government is taking their land,” he said.
He described community forests as vital “breathing spaces” that provide clean air and protect communities from the harsh effects of climate change.
