The Guinean Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development announced on September 30, 2026, that the suspension on wood cutting and transport will be lifted effective October 1, 2026. This decision comes after several months of suspension due to the biological rest period aimed at preserving forest resources. The suspension, which took effect on July 8, 2026, was initially set to last until September 30, 2026.
The Ministry, led by Minister Fassou Théa, emphasized that the lifting of the suspension does not imply a carte blanche for exploiters. Wood cutting and transport activities will be subject to several requirements and controls by the forestry administration. Only artisanal forest exploiters with valid professional cards and environmental agreements will be allowed to operate.
To carry out wood cutting operations, exploiters must obtain prior authorizations and permits. Additionally, forest products from exploitation must be accompanied by required regulatory documents during transport. Exploiters are also required to adhere to low-impact forestry practices, technical prescriptions, and quotas set by the administration.
The Ministry maintains restrictions on areas with special status, including classified forests, protected areas, and zones with specific regimes. Exploitation in these areas is subject to authorizations provided by the regulations. Forest products exploited, transported, or commercialized must be declared and submitted to control, traceability, and monitoring mechanisms.
The Ministry stressed that the lifting of the suspension does not constitute a general or automatic authorization for exploitation. Decentralized services of the Ministry, in collaboration with other authorized structures, will ensure control of wood cutting, transport, and commercialization across the country.
The Ministry warned that any offender will face administrative, civil, and penal sanctions provided by the legislation. Sanctions may also include the seizure and confiscation of forest products and related equipment. The Ministry called on actors in the sector to contribute to the fight against illegal exploitation and preservation of the national forest heritage.
The Guinean government aims to balance economic needs with environmental protection. The controlled resumption of wood cutting and transport activities seeks to promote sustainable management of forest resources. Key to this effort is the collaboration between the Ministry, exploiters, and other stakeholders to ensure responsible practices.
Key points
- The lifting of the suspension is conditional on exploiters meeting specific requirements.
- Only authorized artisanal forest exploiters with valid permits can operate.
- The Ministry will enforce strict controls to prevent illegal exploitation.
