By Domingo Dargbeh
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its partners, have validated the draft 5th National Biosafety Report under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
They reaffirmed commitment to strengthen the safe management of modern biotechnology.
The one-day validation meeting, held in Paynesville on Saturday, February 21, 2026, brought together representatives from government ministries and agencies, research and academic institutions, civil society organizations, private sector actors and development partners.
On behalf of EPA Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Anthony Kollie, described the gathering as a critical step in finalizing a document that reflects performance and challenges in implementing biosafety measures.
“For and on behalf of Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, we are honored by your presence and grateful for your continued commitment to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity in our country.”
Kollie said, the draft report demonstrates ongoing efforts to meet its obligations under the Cartagena Protocol, while ensuring that biotechnology development does not pose risks to human health and the environment.
“This draft report reflects our continued commitment to the safe and responsible management of modern biotechnology in line with our obligations under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. It captures the progress we have made; the challenges we continue to face, and the actions we are undertaking to strengthen our national biosafety framework for the protection of human health, the environment and our rich biological diversity.”
Kollie said, the validation exercise was not a mere formality, but a collaborative process to produce a credible national document.
“Today’s meeting is not just a formality, but an important collaborative step toward refining and endorsing a document that represents collective efforts in biosafety implementation. I encourage open discussion, critical review and active participation so that together we can produce a robust and credible final report.”
Kollie added that stakeholders’ input would ensure the report is accurate, comprehensive and reflective of realities.
Assistant Professor Sampson K. P. Chea, National Focal Point of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, outlined the objectives of the Protocol and the reporting obligations.
Chea said, the Cartagena Protocol is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity aims to ensure the safe handling, transport and use of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology.
Liberia has previously submitted four national biosafety reports since becoming a Party to the Protocol. Over the years, the country has made progress in establishing a national biosafety framework, strengthening regulatory oversight and improving coordination among relevant institutions.
The 5th National Biosafety Report builds on earlier submissions and highlights current achievements, existing gaps and planned actions aimed at enhancing biosafety system.
Participants reviewed the draft report and made recommendations to strengthen the final document ahead of its submission.
