The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has commemorated World Wetlands Day 2025 in Marshall City, Margibi County, under the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.”
The event aimed to highlight the vital role wetlands play in environmental protection and economic activities such as fishing, farming, and tourism.
As a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty established in 1971 to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, Liberia has committed to protecting these ecosystems.
Since joining the convention in 2003, the country has designated five Ramsar sites: Marshall Wetland in Margibi County, Mesurado Wetland in Montserrado County, Lake Piso Wetland in Grand Cape Mount County, Kpatawee Wetland in Bong County, and Gbendi Wetland in Nimba County.
To emphasize the significance of wetlands, President Joseph Boakai issued a Presidential Proclamation declaring Monday, February 3, as World Wetlands Day in Liberia.
The proclamation underscored the importance of wetlands in protecting coastlines, mitigating floods, storing carbon to regulate climate change, and sustaining biodiversity.
The event brought together government officials, foreign diplomats, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and local community members to discuss wetlands conservation.
Liberia’s Focal Point for the Ramsar Convention, Levi Z. Piah, provided an overview of the convention’s history, emphasizing Liberia’s obligation to protect its wetlands.
He raised concerns about ongoing destruction particularly in Margibi County due to unregulated construction, illegal waste disposal, and deforestation.
He stressed the need for urgent action, as wetlands are crucial for sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
As a guest speaker, Ambassador Yin Chengwu of the People’s Republic of China reaffirmed China’s commitment to environmental protection and wetlands conservation.
He highlighted wetlands; role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting livelihoods, and mitigating climate change impacts.
He also pledged China’s support for wetland restoration efforts, conservation programs, and capacity-building initiatives in Liberia.
He cited China’s success in wetland restoration and the establishment of the International Mangrove Centre (IMC) in 2022 to promote global mangrove conservation noting, “If people care for nature, nature will surely reward them in return.”
EPA Executive Director Emmanuel Yarkpawolo emphasized Liberia’s commitment to the Ramsar Convention and the critical role wetlands play in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and economic activities but however warned that human activities continue to pose severe threats.
Director Yarkpawolo highlighted the economic value of wetlands, particularly mangroves, which provide coastal protection worth an estimated US $95 million annually.
He noted that, despite covering only 0.1% of the Earth’s surface, mangroves store up to ten times more carbon per hectare than terrestrial forests, making them a powerful tool in combating climate change.
However, he warned that Liberia has lost 26% of its mangroves between 2000 and 2021 due to unregulated construction, sand mining, and pollution.
“If wetlands provide such enormous benefits for current and future generations, why are we destroying them?. Backfilling wetlands, dumping waste, and engaging in destructive activities must stop,” he questioned.
To combat these threats, Yarkpawolo announced stricter enforcement measures. While the EPA has issued stop-work and restoration orders, enforcement has been challenging due to the agency’s lack of arresting powers.
To address this, the EPA is finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Liberia National Police to authorize law enforcement officers to arrest environmental violators.
Yarkpawolo also highlighted Liberia’s carbon market policy development, which will enable the country to participate in global carbon trading.
“By protecting wetlands, we are making a long-term investment in our shared future,” he stated.
In 2024, the EPA validated 11 environmental regulations, including policies on wetland protection, water quality, and solid waste management.
These regulations, he explained, will enhance the EPA’s capacity to safeguard wetlands and enforce environmental laws.
He announced that a draft Executive Order on wetlands conservation has been submitted to President Boakai. If signed, the order will establish a National Taskforce on Wetlands Protection to curb further degradation and mobilize resources for restoration initiatives.
“We must act now to prevent further destruction. If wetlands degradation continues unchecked, thousands of Liberians will be pushed into poverty in the coming years,” he cautioned.
Yarkpawolo commended China’s initiative in establishing the International Mangrove Centre (IMC) and noted that Liberia is a founding member.
He revealed that Liberia signed the IMC Establishment Agreement in November 2024 and is currently developing a roadmap for ratification.
Yarkpawolo urged all Liberians to take responsibility for wetlands conservation, emphasizing that protecting these ecosystems should not be viewed as a burden but an investment in the country’s future.
“Saving wetlands means saving ourselves. Wetlands are not just victims of destruction; they are our lifeline. Let us all work together to protect them for present and future generations,” he urged.
The ceremony concluded with awards presented to participating schools, recognizing their efforts in promoting wetlands conservation.
The awards were presented by EPA Deputy Executive Director, Dweh Siehwloh Boley.