The Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) has called on Coveiyelah Investment Enterprises (CIE) Inc to fully respect and implement the newly amended Commercial Use Contract (CUC) signed with the people of Korniga-A Authorized Forest Community in Korniga Chiefdom, Bopolu Statutory District, Gbapolu County.
Korniga-A Authorized Forest Community with a forest size of 48,296 hectares, and the company signed the agreement on Thursday, February 26, 2026, in Gainkpai Town. The ceremony brought together community leaders, local authorities, community forest governing bodies, representatives of the contracting company, civil society actors, and observers.
Jacob L. Hilton, Program Development Officer representing the SDI, emphasized that the amended agreement should safeguard the community’s rights and ensure that residents derive meaningful social and economic benefits from their forest resources.
Hilton stressed the need for strict adherence to the revised CUC; something he said will promote transparency, accountability, and sustainable forest management in the area.
Hilton and team, representing SDI at the signing ceremony in an independent monitoring capacity, underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to national forestry regulations.
He provided detailed administrative and procedural guidelines to ensure that the amended contract aligns with Liberia’s legal requirements governing community forest management and commercial use agreements.
He reminded the company that the people of the Korniga-A Authorized Forest Community entered into the amended contract in good faith, with the expectation that they would comply with all provisions, including environmental protections, social and economic, and respect for community governance structures.
He maintained that the forest resources belong to the community, and any commercial activity must prioritize their welfare and long-term development.
Hilton also cautioned all parties to avoid actions that could undermine the spirit and terms of the agreement.
“The company needs to be clear when the payment will be made to the communities. The communities, too, should know that they will need to go by what they agreed to here, so they should specify everything they need. Everything you need should be in the agreement,” he said.
Members of the community expressed hope that proper implementation would lead to improved livelihoods, infrastructure development, and improved conservation efforts.
SDI further called on relevant government authorities, including the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), to monitor compliance and ensure that the terms of the contract are fully respected.
Meanwhile, SDI has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting forest-dependent communities across Liberia in securing their rights and promoting sustainable natural resource management.
At the same time, CIE has assured the community that they will live up to expectations by doing all that they agreed to in the contract.
SDI monitoring of the ceremony is part of a project titled: Using International Market Levers, Promoting National Governance Reforms facilitated by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office under the e Forest Governance Market and Climate (FGMC) Program.