By: Aminata Sesay
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC), officially lifted the suspension on the harvesting, transportation, and exportation of timber locally known as “Gbenni,” on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The decision follows extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including the Office of National Security, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Forestry Department, and LeadWay Trading Company Limited.
The announcement was made through a public notice by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. The lifting of the ban comes after Sierra Leone’s Non-Detriment Findings (NDF) were accepted by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The CITES Secretariat approved an annual export quota of 76,324.5 cubic meters of standing Pterocarpus erinaceus trees, effectively replacing the zero-export quota imposed in 2022. This marks a significant shift in Sierra Leone’s approach to managing its valuable timber resources while ensuring compliance with international conservation standards.
To safeguard sustainability and prevent the overexploitation of Pterocarpus erinaceus, the government has introduced a set of strict regulations governing the harvesting and exportation of the species.
The government has designated three concessionaires, operating in Falaba, Karene, and Koinadugu districts, as the only entities authorized to harvest and export the allocated quota. Their operations will be supervised by the Forestry Department and the MOECC to ensure adherence to sustainability principles.
Only Timber Sales Agreement Holders or concessionaires with a valid Annual Timber License will be permitted to harvest Pterocarpus erinaceus.
Harvesting will be restricted to georeferenced trees in designated concession plots. The process will commence in April 2025, starting in Krutor, Neini Chiefdom, Koinadugu District. This measure ensures that logging activities do not lead to deforestation beyond the approved areas.
Unauthorized logging outside designated areas will result in immediate arrest and prosecution. Law enforcement officers will work alongside the Forestry Department to monitor compliance and prevent illegal activities.
Tree Identification & Verification Each harvested tree must be scanned and assigned a unique identification number before being documented in a stock survey and block map. This step is crucial for maintaining an accurate record of harvested timber and ensuring traceability.
Transport Permits Only logs from geo-referenced trees with Forestry Department-approved markings will be permitted for transportation and export. This measure aims to eliminate the risk of illegally harvested timber entering the supply chain.
In addition to strict harvesting regulations, the government has introduced stringent conditions to regulate the exportation of Pterocarpus erinaceus:
Export Rights Only Timber Sales Agreement Holders will be granted export permissions, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized trade.
Each shipment must undergo a verification process to confirm legality and establish a clear chain of custody before submission for CITES approval.
LeadWay Trading Company Limited remains the sole government-appointed agent responsible for managing all timber export processes in Sierra Leone. This centralized oversight ensures transparency and accountability.
All timber exports will be processed under the direct supervision of the Management Authority, Enforcement Authority, and other relevant stakeholders to prevent illegal shipments.
The lifting of the suspension represents a pivotal moment for Sierra Leone’s timber sector. While it provides an opportunity for economic revitalization through controlled timber exports, it also places significant responsibility on the industry to comply with environmental regulations. The new measures aim to balance economic benefits with conservation efforts, ensuring that the country’s forests remain a renewable resource for future generations.
Local communities, particularly those in logging regions, may see economic benefits through job creation and infrastructural development tied to regulated logging activities. However, conservation groups and environmentalists will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that sustainability remains a top priority.
Sierra Leone’s adherence to international conservation agreements under CITES demonstrates its commitment to responsible forestry management. By implementing these regulations, the country seeks to establish itself as a credible and sustainable player in the global timber trade while protecting its natural resources from unsustainable exploitation.
The government has pledged continuous monitoring and assessment of the new regulations to ensure their effectiveness. Additionally, periodic reviews will be conducted to determine whether further adjustments are needed to enhance sustainability and compliance. As Sierra Leone reopens its timber industry under these strict guidelines, stakeholders will need to work collaboratively to uphold environmental integrity while fostering economic growth.
