The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has officially launched construction work for the Sinoe County Coastal project.
The project, “Enhancing the Resilience of Vulnerable Coastal Communities in Sinoe County is an ambitious US$8.9 million grant initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
According to a release, the Sinoe Coastal Resilience Project aims to address the mounting threat of coastal erosion caused by climate change.
It is implemented by the EPA under the United Nations Development Programme-Liberia Energy and Environment Programme Inclusive Green Growth Portfolio. The program seeks to protect vulnerable communities through hybrid adaptation infrastructure like coastal revetments, resilient livelihoods, and improved access to climate information.
The groundbreaking ceremony held in Sinoe County from May 11-15, 2025, brought together key national and local stakeholders, including representatives from the ministries of Public Works, Mines and Energy, Agriculture, Internal Affairs, the Sinoe Legislative Caucus, and traditional leaders, alongside community residents. EPA Executive Director, Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo highlighted several challenges, including the need for better communication with local stakeholders, political and tribal tensions, and community demands for compensation. Yarpawolo said while there was no allocation in the project budget for community compensation; a resolution was reached with the Bana Community, home to the sacred rock quarry site, to provide US$50,000 in goodwill compensation.
“This agreement, along with multiple community engagement meetings, paved the way for a successful ceremony that marked a turning point in community support for the project,” he said.
UNDP’s Team Lead for the Inclusive Green Growth Portfolio, Dorsla Farcarthy, described the project as “a symbol of resilience, unity and forward-thinking.”
“This project protects the environment and empowers local communities, especially women and youth, with the tools and resources needed to adapt and thrive in the face of climate change,” Farcarthy said.
Community residents and local leaders at the ceremony, recommended that the EPA, with UNDP’s support, will strengthen stakeholder’s coordination, ensure transparency in recruitment for local labor, and secure necessary resources for community engagement to avoid project delays.
Liberia is recognized globally as a biodiversity hotspot that faces significant environmental and socio-economic threats, especially in coastal communities.
With sea level rise projected to displace over 230,000 people and cause US$250 million in land losses, the need for immediate and impactful action is urgent.
As the project progresses, the coastal resilience initiative will expand to other counties, reinforcing Liberia’s commitment to sustainable development, climate action, and community empowerment.
The EPA is doing very well, but still falling a bit short allowing people to continue to uproot mangroves and fill in wetlands for their own selfish purposes. People (including their Rep at the Congo Town Commissioner’s office are doing nothing about the wetland and mangroves distruction in Pagos Island, CongoTown; where the wetlands and mangroves are being destroyed and people building in the what used to be a full tributary/ flow of the Montserrado River with its eco impact is now just considered a ” little swamp” and Pagos Island will soon no longer be an Island but fully joined to mainland Congo Town. Would be helpful for an unrelated/ unconnected Rep to follow this up. Thanks