By: Samuel Flomo, Jr.
In a bold call for national collaboration and environmental leadership, the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, has rallied government institutions, civil society, and the private sector to take ownership of Liberia’s National Carbon Policy, describing it as a “turning point in the nation’s climate future.”
Speaking at the opening of the two-day National Carbon Policy Technical Validation Workshop held from October 29–30, 2025, Dr. Yarkpawolo stressed that the policy marks a defining moment in Liberia’s journey toward environmental sustainability and responsible carbon governance.
“This policy must not remain on paper,” Dr. Yarkpawolo urged. “It should be our guiding framework for managing carbon resources transparently and ensuring that all Liberians benefit from our environmental wealth.”
The workshop, organized by the National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCSC) in partnership with national and international stakeholders, brought together experts and decision-makers to review and validate the draft policy.
Dr. Yarkpawolo described the exercise as “a critical step in securing Liberia’s environmental and economic future.”
He noted that once adopted, the policy will strengthen Liberia’s global standing as a leader in climate action—anchored in sustainable forest management, emissions reduction, and carbon finance initiatives.
He emphasized that the document’s success will depend on shared responsibility and strong stakeholder commitment.
Dr. Yarkpawolo reaffirmed the EPA’s commitment to driving Liberia’s climate agenda forward, stating, “This process is not just about policy; it’s about protecting our future, empowering our people, and ensuring that Liberia becomes a beacon of environmental responsibility in Africa.”
With this validation, Liberia moves one step closer to adopting a national carbon governance framework that promises to transform climate management, empower communities, and boost sustainable development nationwide.
At the end of the workshop, participants expressed optimism and pledged a unified front toward finalizing and implementing the policy.