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SALAYEA AUTHORIZED FOREST COMMUNITY (SAFC), INC


A community Forest is a locally managed forest area where local resident, often in partnership with government or non-profit organization, collectively steward and sustainably use forest resources. These forest aim to balance environmental conservation with community needs, empowering residents to participant in decision-making and benefit directly from the forest’s resources. Community Forest can provide essential resources like timber, fuel, and non-timber forest products while conserving biodiversity, improving local economies, and strengthening social ties within the community.

Our organization, the Salayea Authorized Forest Community (AFC) is a forest management organization located in North-west Liberia that was established in 2019 to manage a community forest owned by six communities with a 75 percent forest cover (mainly primary forest). Salayea Authorized Forest Community has a governance structure made up of the Community Assembly (CA), Executive Committee (EC), and Community Forest Management Body (CFMB). This structure enables AFC members to collaborate and decide how to utilize and manage the forest through a democratic process that guarantees everyone has a voice. As part of this structure Salayea’s Community Forest Management Body (CFMB) is responsible for sustainably managing the community forest and they are recipient of the proposed grant. It is run by a democratically elected female Chief Officer, who has received capacity building training from MFGAP and other partners on topics such as procurement, financial management, gender and social inclusion and conflict management.

Demographic Information and General Description of The Community Forest

Location, Extent and Demograph

  •  Extent: 8,300 ha or 83km2
  •  6 forest management communities.
  •  The 6 communities: Beyan, Gonglota, Gorlu, Salayea, Telemu and Yarpuah
  •  The total population of the 6 communities is 23,074
  •  Average literacy rate of about 51%.
  •  Main ethnic groups: Kpelleh, Lorma and Mandingo.
  •  Major religion: Christianity
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Demographic Information and General Description of The Community Forest

Forest Cover and Flora

  •  CF is at least 75% of forest cover
  •  CF is mainly primary forest (>80%) and patches of secondary forest or open forest(30-80%)
  •  150 tree species recorded with 3 endender species
  •  The CF has a diversity of birds and mammals recorded with no endenger animal species
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Demographic Information and General Description of The Community Forest

Relief and Threats

  •  The CF is generally hilly with gradient greater than 30% covering an extensive area
  •  At least 30% of the CF is hilly
  •  Threats to the community forest include wildfires, grazing and illegal felling of trees.
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Forest Zoning and Resource Management Prescriptions

Management Objectives:

To Manage the CF for MULTIPLE-USE

  •  An area of 5,346.26 ha will be conserved to protect fragile ecosystems, biodiversity including endangered species where ecotourism potential will be optimized and revenue from carbon sequestration will be derived;
  •  Sustainable agriculture will be undertaken in 3,007.18 ha by the six communities constitutingthe CF.
  •  Sustainable NTFPs collection will be undertaken throughoutthe CF
  •  Hunting involving animals which are not endangered will be undertakenin the CF
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Our Mission & Vision Statements

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At SALAYEA AUTHORIZED FOREST COMMUNITY (SAFC), INC, we are driven by a bold vision to transform the forestry industry into a force for progress, prosperity, and sustainability. Our mission is to responsibly extract and process the earth’s treasures, leveraging innovation, advanced technology, and ethical practices to deliver unparalleled value to our clients and stakeholders.
We are committed to:
  • Empowering Communities: Creating opportunities, fostering local partnerships, and enhancing livelihoods wherever we operate.
  • Sustainability at the Core: Protecting the environment through cutting-edge, eco-friendly forestry practices that ensure a balanced coexistence with nature
  • Operational Excellence: Setting industry standards in safety, efficiency, and quality, ensuring long-term growth and reliability.
  • Global Impact: Building a reputation as a leader in forestry and resource management by contributing to economic and industrial advancement worldwide.
    At SALAYEA AUTHORIZED FOREST COMMUNITY (SAFC), INC, we don’t just manage forestry resources—we mine possibilities, fueling a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
To be a global leader in sustainable forestry practices, recognized for our commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment. At SALAYEA AUTHORIZED FOREST COMMUNITY (SAFC), INC, we envision a future where forestry drives economic progress, enriches lives, and safeguards the planet for generations to come. By setting new standards in excellence and responsibility, we aim to transform the forestry industry and unlock endless possibilities for a brighter tomorrow.

Goals

The goal is for our community to establish a sustainable source of funding for our Community Forest Management Body (CFMB) that would allow them to continue managing and preserving the Salayea community forest in the long-term, independently of any donor or third-party funding.


  • Achieve Operational Excellence: Continuously enhance forestry and processing methods through innovation and advanced technologies to deliver superior-quality resources efficiently and safely.

  • Promote Sustainability: Lead the industry in environmentally responsible forestry practices, ensuring minimal ecological impact and contributing to global environmental restoration efforts.

  • Foster Community Development: Create lasting value for communities by providing employment, supporting education, and developing local infrastructure to improve quality of life.

  • Expand Global Presence: Strengthen our reputation as a trusted partner by building strategic relationships and extending our footprint in international markets.

  • Ensure Financial Growth and Stability: Drive profitability while maintaining ethical practices and delivering exceptional returns to stakeholders.

Objectives

  • Adopt Green Technologies: Implement eco-friendly forestry and processing technologies to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable operations.

  • Enhance Employee Welfare and Safety: Build a culture of safety and provide comprehensive training programs to ensure the well-being and professional growth of our workforce.

  • Engage with Local Communities: Develop robust partnerships with local communities by initiating programs in healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship to foster mutual growth.

  • Maintain Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to all local, national, and international forestry laws and standards to ensure ethical and legal operations.

  • Focus on Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and optimize operational processes to adapt to emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the forestry industry.

  • Diversify Mineral Portfolio: Explore and invest in new mineral resources to meet global demand and maintain competitive advantage.