BOMI COUNTY, LIBERIA-Intense exploratory missions have begun to harness the potential of the Liberian forests, especially the “Gola Forest” for possible eco-tourism purposes.

Tourism is an integral pillar of the government’s ARREST Agenda- to market Liberia’s vast natural resources to the World and ensure benefits to the community dwellers.

The Forestry Development Authority, FDA Managing Director Rudolph Meraj, has vowed to ensure President Boakai’s vision for tourism remains alive and operational.

The FDA boss has identified the Gola National Forest as a stand-out area to harness the tourism and ensure the protection of the forest for the benefit of the communities.

In doing so, the FDA Managing Director has placed the people as a top priority to benefit from any proceeds accrued from the tourism industry.

FDA Managing Director Meraj noted that his agency is operating on four pillars, including community, conservation of forest, commercial, and carbon, something he is committed to at all times.

Meanwhile, the FDA Managing Director has termed the forest as the property of the people, noting that people have been preserving the forest for years.

Rudolph Meraj said,” My mission is aligned with the ARREST Agenda to bring the forest to the people, and ensure they benefit from the proceeds”.

During an exploratory mission at the Gola Forest on Friday, March 27, 2026, the FDA Boss committed to involving the young people in the discussions around the forest management.

Meraj invited all Liberians to get involved in the protection of the forest, noting that it is the heritage of Liberian citizens.