Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity conservation at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP 16) of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Speaking at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters in Rome, Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, emphasized the need for global collaboration in protecting biodiversity, calling it a fundamental aspect of human survival.
In his address, Yarkpawolo highlighted Liberia’s rich natural resources, noting that the country holds 43% of West Africa’s remaining rainforests.
He extended greetings on behalf of the Liberian government and its people, stressing that the nation is not only advocating for itself but also standing in solidarity with other African countries.
He commended Zimbabwe for its earlier remarks on behalf of the continent, reinforcing Africa’s collective commitment to biodiversity.
Yarkpawolo underscored the vital role of biodiversity in global value systems, stating, “Preserving our biodiversity is not just an environmental issue; it is vital for our survival.”
He urged delegates to use the conference as an opportunity to make concrete progress on unresolved issues from previous meetings, particularly in resource mobilization.
He assured that Liberia is ready to contribute to global solutions and remains committed to working with other nations.
He emphasized the need for trust and cooperation to secure the necessary resources for achieving biodiversity goals.
Yarkpawolo stressed that adequate funding is essential for implementing the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and advancing Liberia’s national conservation initiatives, which align with the broader 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Yarkpawolo also highlighted the importance of transparent financial mechanisms, particularly for developing nations, indigenous communities, women, and youth. “A clear and equitable process is essential to enhance financial architecture and flow,” he stated.
He urged the establishment of systems that empower those most affected by biodiversity loss.
He proposed forming an international working group composed of Ministers of Environment and Finance from both developed and developing countries. This collaboration, he explained, would help accelerate the creation of policies and infrastructure necessary for effective biodiversity conservation.
Yarkpawolo also expressed support for specific proposals aimed at improving financial frameworks for conservation, emphasizing the need for concrete action.
Liberia’s presence at COP 16 reflects its proactive approach to environmental conservation and its dedication to global collaboration.
Yarkpawolo’s speech reinforced the country’s role as a key player in biodiversity protection, urging nations to work together to safeguard the planet’s natural resources.
“Liberia stands ready to work toward achieving these goals, and we believe that through collective action, we can secure a better future for our planet,” he stated.
As discussions at COP 16 continue, Liberia’s message remains clear: biodiversity preservation must be a priority, and only through unity and decisive action can the world reverse biodiversity loss and build a sustainable future for generations to come.
