EPA Initiates Freshwater Ecosystems Dialogue for Liberia’s Climate Action Plan

Monrovia – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a two-day dialogue to incorporate freshwater ecosystems into Liberia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The move underscores the critical importance of preserving freshwater resources essential to Liberia’s agriculture, energy production, fish supply, and rural drinking water systems.

EPA Executive Director Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo opened the program by highlighting the NDC’s significance as Liberia’s climate action blueprint, updated every five years. He stressed the inclusion of freshwater ecosystems as a vital step in ensuring the sustainability of the country’s natural resources.

“The NDC serves as our roadmap for addressing climate change,” Yarkpawolo stated. “Including freshwater ecosystems is crucial for protecting these resources and supporting key sectors like agriculture and energy.”

Liberia’s freshwater resources face mounting threats from small-scale and industrial mining activities. The dialogue aims to address these challenges by fostering strategies that align environmental policies with international climate commitments.

Yarkpawolo emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing the NDC by including previously overlooked sectors, such as freshwater ecosystems. He pointed to Vice President Jeremiah Pankun’s announcement during the COP 2029 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, as a signal of Liberia’s intent to elevate its climate action plan.

“His Excellency Vice President Jeremiah Pankun disclosed Liberia’s commitment to including freshwater ecosystems in our climate strategy during the COP 2029 summit,” Yarkpawolo noted. “We are grateful for the technical and financial support from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature in hosting this critical dialogue.”

He urged participants to actively contribute to the discussions, emphasizing the significance of their input in shaping sustainable solutions. “Your contributions will guide the actions needed to include freshwater ecosystems in the NDC, ensuring the protection of these essential resources,” he said.

The dialogue aligns with President George Weah’s agenda for inclusive growth and sustainable development, which prioritizes environmental stewardship. “Environmental sustainability is a cornerstone of our national development agenda,” Yarkpawolo added. “Your efforts will play a pivotal role in achieving these goals.”

Closing his remarks, Yarkpawolo invoked an African proverb to inspire action: “The earth, air, land, and water are not inherited from our forefathers but borrowed from our children. We must return them, at minimum, as they were entrusted to us.”