The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources (MECCNAR) and the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs (MOLRGRA) have jointly issued a stern warning to the general public, regarding illegal land sales and transactions within the Koto Balli Community Forest in Manduar, Kombo Central, West Coast Region.
In a joint press release the two ministries informed that the Koto Balli Community Forest, measuring one hundred and eighty-one hectares (181.0ha), was gazetted as a community forest in 2020, with reference codeWCR-BR006.
“It still remains a gazetted community forest, as per the Forest Act, 2018. This forest serves as a sanctuary for biodiversity and also plays a crucial role in maintaining environmental balance,” the release stated.
It further indicated that the recent illegal encroachments upon the Koto Balli Community Forest threaten its integrity and violate the Forest Act, 2018, under which the area was designated as a protected community forest, as duly published in the national gazette.
MECCNAR and MOLRGRA emphasise that any land document acquired for a parcel of land, or development activity within the Koto Balli Community Forest, is rendered null and void and illegal, respectively; and that all individuals and entities involved in land sales or transactions within the forest, are strictly warned to cease their activities immediately.
The authorities pointed out that preserving the Koto Balli Community Forest is crucial for present and future generations. The two ministries therefore declare their commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the protection of our natural heritage.
“In addition to an ongoing internal inquiry, commissioned by the Honourable Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, a comprehensive investigation will also be undertaken by the Gambia Police Force, to crack down on the illegal sale of lands at the community forest. The outcome of the investigation will guide Government of The Gambia on the actions to be taken within the next four weeks, to address the issue,” the authorities announced in the release.
In the mean time, they called on members of the public who bought land within the Koto Balli Community Forest, to contact both MECCNAR and MOLRGRA.
Documents Acquired for Land, Dev’t Activity in Manduar Forest Illegal -Authorities Declare
