1. Nimopoh Community Assembly (CA) Sinoe County Concession and Community Forestry- Nimopoh CFMB Perspective Jaryee Victor Kelgbeh Chairman CFMB Nimopoh

2. Introduction -former USAID investment area 2 Nimopoh CA and FDA signed CFMA in 2010 CFMA covers 7,260 hectares of forested land Golden Veroleum 1. 6 billion Concession signed into law in 2006, covers 220,000 hectares GVL propose land area for Nimopoh is 8,000 hectares; close to the CF site Huge pressure on CF as a result of GVL land take

3. Sinoe County – former USAID investment area 3

4. Concession missteps… No prior informed consent which led to community resistance to GVL operation No community participation in GVL plantation development No recognition of CFMA or the CF management plan by County Authority and GVL GVL established 50 hectares nurseries with no compensation to customary land owners

5. Concessions and Community what is happening… 5 GVL is beginning to correct missteps as a result of CFMB engagement; a good start????? Conducting community mapping Ongoing discussion between GVL and community about possible review of social agreement Identifying and demarcating sacred sites from concession area Pressure to adhere to international standards (GA,RSPO, etc…)

6. Current Issues Pressure on primary forest for farmland increasing 50 ha. cleared for nurseries & plantations without fair compensation GVL Expected to plant 8,000 hectares for operation around the CF which post serious pressure on the CF No recognition of the CFMA by county and GVL authority Overlap of GVL and CFMA terms over ownership of forest resources (Who has RIGHTS over the forest resources?)

7. What is the best model for Concessions and CF ? Suggestion…. To maintain CF and determine best land use options Ensure community PARTICIPATION in local and public decision that affect the community or CF Recognize the existence of the CFMA and involve CFMB in land use decision making

8. What are the needed incentives? Fair Compensation for land and the use of any forest resources Compliance with acceptable international standards for benefit sharing and environment Biodiversity values from the CF The protection of natural heritage, sacred sites and CF