The Executive Director of Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Emmanuel Yarkpawolo, has emphasized the importance of collective efforts to protect the country’s diverse ecosystems.
Speaking at a technical meeting on Tuesday, January 14, he highlighted the urgent need for the implementation, monitoring, and promotion of Liberia’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).
The event brought together representatives from government, civil society, the private sector, and development partners, all working towards the development of strategies to protect Liberia’s forests, wetlands, and marine ecosystems.
The EPA Director stressed that these ecosystems are vital not only for Liberia’s environmental health but also for global ecological well-being.
He pointed out the significant threats to Liberia’s biodiversity, including habitat destruction, climate change, and unsustainable resource exploitation.
However, he reassured that the country remains committed to tackling these challenges, particularly through submitting revised biodiversity targets to the Convention on Biological Diversity Secretariat by August 2024.
The Director called for a collaborative approach, urging government branches, local communities, civil society, and the private sector to work together.
He encouraged participants to bring forward innovative solutions, noting that their joint efforts would benefit both current and future generations.
Acknowledging the crucial role of development partners, he expressed gratitude for their continued support in advancing Liberia’s environmental goals.
Director Yarkpawolo assured stakeholders of the EPA’s dedication to transparency and accountability in their initiatives, stating, “Together, we can secure a sustainable future for our nation and contribute significantly to global biodiversity protection.”
The meeting’s goal is to finalize action plans that promote the sustainable use of Liberia’s biodiversity while addressing pressing environmental issues.
