The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has initiated a two-day workshop focused on enhancing the environmental management capabilities of County Environment Committees from Bong and Gbarpolu Counties.
Under the theme “Environment Protection Management: Taking Environmental Governance to the People,” the workshop aimed at empowering local environmental teams to tackle regional environmental challenges effectively.
This initiative is a component of the EPA’s decentralization strategy, designed to bring environmental governance closer to communities and improve responses to pressing issues such as pollution, illegal mining, and climate change.
EPA Executive Director, Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, emphasized that addressing Liberia’s environmental issues requires a collective effort. “ Environmental issues are the concern of every Liberian. We must all take ownership,” Executive Director Yarkpawolo noted.
He attributed many environmental problems to activities like illegal mining, which leads to river pollution and land degradation, stating, “What we are seeing today is not just a national problem, it is a global issue. This is what we call climate change.”
Dr. Yarkpawolo urged County Environment Committee Members to embrace their responsibilities and collaborate with community leaders, lawmakers, and civil society to safeguard Liberia’s environment.
Bong County Superintendent Hawa Loleyah Norris affirmed her administration’s support for the EPA, noting ongoing collaborations to address local environmental issues.
Gbarpolu County Senator Botoe Kanneh highlighted the growing problem of illegal mining in Gbarpolu and appealed for increased support to combat it.
Ms. Josephine Mongor of UNDP underscored the significance of the EPA’s decentralization efforts, noting, “This is not just a reform—it is a bold commitment to include everyone in protecting our environment. She also assured UNDP’s commitment to supporting the EPA in this endeavor.
The EPA’s decentralization initiative is intended to improve environmental rule enforcement, expedite emergency responses, and enhance public awareness regarding environmental protection, with the County Environment Committees playing a pivotal role.
The EPA said it remains committed to ensuring that every Liberian county has the resources to protect its natural assets and foster a cleaner, safer environment.