The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, has called for stronger collaboration among government institutions to address the growing threat of ‘illegal’ mining and environmental degradation.
Yarkpawolo’s comment was contained in a statement he made when he appeared before the House Committee on Lands, Mines, Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment.
He informed lawmakers on how the environment is under pressure from ‘illegal’ mining, uncontrolled logging, and other destructive activities.
Yarkpawolo stressed the need to protect the environment, but said, doing so, “requires a coordinated national effort.”
The hearing focused on findings from EPA’s nationwide environmental assessment tour; environmental challenges affecting communities and
input on proposed environmental legislation currently before the House.
He outlined environmental concerns, which the EPA has identified.
The concerns include widespread environmental degradation; indiscriminate tree felling; damage caused by artisanal mining; pollution of rivers and rapid deforestation.
“The environment belongs to all of us. The proper use of our environment will save humanity.”
Yarkpawolo also raised concerns over the use of mercury in artisanal gold mining.
He told the lawmakers that mercury contaminates rivers and streams, accumulates in fish consumed by humans, and can cause serious health problems, including neurological and cognitive disorders.
Meanwhile, EPA has established a laboratory with trained chemical handlers to monitor and analyze chemical contaminants, ensure that authorities understand pollution levels and can respond appropriately.
He urged stakeholders to move beyond narratives of the “rich versus the poor,” and instead, work collectively to protect the natural resources through stronger laws, enforcement and responsible environmental stewardship.
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