The Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) has on behalf of Nitrain Community Forest Management Body (NCFMB) filed a formal complaint with the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia, accusing Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL) of widespread environmental destruction and human rights abuses.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The complaint, submitted by SDI on Thursday, April 30, 2026, calls for an immediate investigation into the company’s operations in southeastern Liberia.
Allegations of Forest Destruction and Legal Violations
According to the complaint, GVL has destroyed more than 1,000 hectares of forest in Sinoe County, part of the globally significant Upper Guinea Forest ecosystem since it began operations in 2010. The groups argue that these actions violate key Liberian laws, including: Environmental Protection and Management Act, National Forestry Reform Law, Land Rights Act and Community Rights Law.
Addressing media following the submission of the official at the EPA, Mr. Sampson Williams, National Program Assistant at SDI, on behalf of the complainant, alleges that the company’s activities continue to threaten biodiversity, carbon-rich forests, and the livelihoods of local communities.
International Findings Back Claims
The complaint references findings by global certification bodies such as the High Carbon Stock Approach (HCSA) and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
It can be recalled that in 2021, HCSA confirmed that GVL cleared high-value forest areas between 2017 and 2018 and ordered the company to: restore 1,000 hectares of forest; develop a conservation land-use plan, secure community consent and halt expansion activities
Similarly, the RSPO in 2018 found that GVL failed to obtain Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), used intimidation tactics against communities and destroyed sacred sites.
Although the RSPO lifted its stop-work order in 2025, critics say the company has yet to meet the required conditions.
Communities Speak Out
Local leaders say the impact has been severe.
“Since GVL appeared on our land, the company has taken our forests and damaged our livelihoods,” said Dennis Broh of the NCFMB.
Communities in affected areas report loss of farmland, restricted access to forest resources, and lack of meaningful consultation.
Failure to Restore Forests and Engage Communities
Despite public commitments, the complaint alleges that GVL has failed to implement required restoration measures.
Accordingly, investigations by SDI reportedly found no meaningful forest restoration completed. It also unearthed the lack of transparency with affected communities, failure to renegotiate agreements or obtain FPIC and weak engagement with civil society organizations.
The groups also criticized plans to plant trees within already protected community forests, arguing that such efforts do not compensate for previous deforestation.
Calls for Government Action
The complaint urges the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia and other government bodies to take decisive action, including: launching a full investigation into GVL’s activities enforcing compliance with HCSA recommendations, ensuring community land rights are respected and maintaining a halt on company expansion until conditions are met
Concerns Over Corporate Accountability
The environmental campaigners say the case highlights deeper concerns about oversight of large-scale agricultural concessions in Liberia.
Mr. James Otto, Program Coordinator of the Community Rights and Corporate Governance Program (CRCGP), at SDI warned that voluntary sustainability frameworks have failed to hold companies accountable, urging the government to step in with stronger legal enforcement or else, SDI will take unspecified steps forward.
