The initiative brought together technical experts and policymakers within the Department of Land Use and Management (LUM) to review and refine key regulatory instruments that guide land administration and use nationwide. The session focused on three core frameworks: the Temporary Occupancy Permit (TOP), the National Land Use and Management Guidelines, and surface land use procedures and permitting for concession areas.
Discussions on the Temporary Occupancy Permit highlighted the need to enhance coordination, transparency, and efficiency in land administration. Participants identified gaps in the current framework and called for clearer delineation of institutional roles to strengthen accountability and streamline decision-making processes.
The review of the National Land Use and Management Guidelines centered on aligning the framework with evolving land governance challenges, including sustainable land use, environmental protection, and increasing pressure on land resources. Experts emphasized the importance of balancing national development priorities with the protection of community land rights, while ensuring meaningful participation of local communities in land use planning and decision-making.
Attention was also directed to surface land use procedures and concession permitting, a critical issue in Liberia where large-scale agricultural, mining, and forestry concessions frequently overlap with customary land ownership. Participants called for more transparent, consistent, and inclusive procedures, alongside stronger safeguards to reduce land-related conflicts and improve compliance.
Commissioner Garsinii noted that the reforms are part of broader efforts by the Liberia Land Authority to strengthen land governance, reduce disputes, and promote equitable access to land resources nationwide. He underscored that an effective, transparent, and well-regulated land administration system is essential for sustainable national development and investor confidence.
The working session is expected to produce updated policy frameworks that will guide land use planning and management, ensuring a balanced approach that integrates economic development, environmental sustainability, and the protection of community rights across Liberia.
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Published by: Kweshie Tetteh
