Published: July 14, 2024
MONROVIA — The Government of Liberia, through several ministries and agencies, signed a US$20.4 million climate change Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) over the weekend. The agreement aims to create a sustainable and resilient future for the coastal communities in Sinoe County.
By Lincoln G. Peters, Contributing Writer
The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Finance’s tenth-floor conference room, marked the initiation of the project titled “Enhancing the Resilience of Vulnerable Coastal Communities in Sinoe County of Liberia.”
UNDP Energy and Environment Coordinator, Mr. Moses Massah, signed on behalf of UNDP Resident Representative Stephen Rodriguez. For the Government of Liberia, Minister Wilmot Paye signed for the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Minister Roland Giddings signed on behalf of the Ministry of Public Works, Deputy Environment Protection Agency Executive Director signed for the EPA, and the Acting Finance Minister signed on behalf of the Ministries of Finance, Agriculture, and Commerce.
The project is funded by the Global Environmental Facility, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the Government of Liberia, and it is implemented in collaboration with the African Development Bank. It has a duration of seventy-two months, starting in November 2022 and expected to conclude in November 2028.
The project’s goals include enhancing the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities in Sinoe County against coastal change impacts. It has four primary objectives: strengthening the institutional capacity for climate change adaptation, supporting climate innovation through communication and technology, introducing habitat adaptation solutions with a mix of engineering and nature-based approaches, and supporting livelihood diversification to increase adaptive capabilities. These efforts aim to improve institutional frameworks and community awareness, ensuring better planning and response to climate risks, coastal erosion, flooding, and other climate-related challenges.
Acting Finance and Development Planning Minister Mr. Anthony Myres expressed gratitude for the signing of the new MoU to protect the people of Sinoe and surrounding areas. He emphasized that if Sinoe County is threatened by sea erosion due to a lack of coastal defense, neighboring counties are also at risk, given Sinoe’s sea port’s economic significance for development, trade, and productivity.
Mr. Myres pointed out that Liberia’s coastal zone is adversely affected by several climate change impacts, such as sea level rise, increased coastal flooding and erosion, and rising temperatures. “It’s in response to these challenges that the Government of Liberia, with support from the UNDP and the Global Environmental Facility, developed this project. We are happy for this MoU today. We want to ensure that the project is implemented to the fullest,” he concluded.
Speaking on behalf of the UNDP, Mr. Moses Massah expressed optimism about the project’s implementation and reaffirmed the UNDP’s support for Liberia. He stressed the importance of government transparency and accountability in implementing donor-funded projects.
Sinoe County District One Representative Romeo Quioh described the growing coastal tension in his county as alarming and commended the government and partners for their timely intervention. “Our county is gradually disappearing. We thank you for recommitting to this MoU. It is my hope that you will work swiftly to implement this agreement and save the people of Sinoe County,” he concluded.
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