Central Equatoria takes measures to protect forestry

February 4, 2008 (JUBA) — The Central Equatoria State has banned the use of portable power chainsaws following an assessment showing grave damage in the state’s forests and the need for a policy of forestry conservation.

The minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Animal resources and Fisheries in Central Equatoria State, Charles Manuel Jongo, has banned the use of portable power chainsaws in order to curb forests destruction in the state.

In ministerial odrder on January 17, he also prohibited commercial production charcoal and cutting of firewood without prior authorization or permission from the State’s Forestry Authority. Also he directed that commercial charcoal/firewood producers to obtain temporary forestry Exploitation permits.

These measures come following a field assessment by the Directorate of Forestry on the state of the natural forests. The ministerial order said that Central Equatoria has become seriously concerned about the high levels of damage inflicted on the State’s natural forests, most particularly by those individuals and groups using portable power-chainsaws.

The ministerial decision also requested the local authorities to cooperate in the implementation of these measures aiming at forestry conservation.

“County and Payam Administrators and Chiefs are to cooperate and liaise on all matters on forestry conservation and utilization, and effectively apply local rules and regulations to avoid the depletion of these important resources.”

(ST)