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.

“These forests are giving us oxygen. We give carbon dioxide, and the trees give us oxygen. If you remove them, where are we going to breathe from?” he asked.

He said unchecked estate development in forest areas would worsen heat conditions, reduce rainfall protection and expose communities to destructive winds.

The forestry chief warned that estate development must be done legally and transparently.

“If you want to be an estate developer, do it decently. Don’t do it in a clandestine way. It’s not helping the country,” he said.

Corr added that the department is also working on plans to increase tree planting in urban areas to ensure city residents benefit from a climate-friendly environment.

He called on Gambians to work together to protect forests, saying environmental protection is a shared responsibility and not a government fight against citizens.

By Adama Makasuba