Published: October 31, 2025
Monrovia – The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, has declared that Liberia is heading to the upcoming COP30 Climate Conference in Brazil with a bold and clear message: the nation is not just a victim of climate change but a partner in global climate solutions.
Speaking Thursday at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing in Monrovia, Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized that Liberia intends to showcase its rich biodiversity, coastal resilience, and climate-smart development goals on the global stage.
Rising Temperatures, Rising Challenges
“Temperature remains one of the greatest challenges confronting humanity,” the EPA boss warned, highlighting the devastating effects of rising global temperatures — from sea level rise and flooding to biodiversity loss and food insecurity.
He said Liberia, despite contributing little to global emissions, is among the nations suffering the most from the impacts of climate change. “Our coastal communities are in mourning, our farmers are struggling with unpredictable weather, and our ecosystems are under deep pressure,” he lamented.
Liberia Prepares for COP30
COP30, the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is slated to take place this year in Belém, Brazil, deep within the Amazon Basin — a region symbolic of global forest and ocean conservation.
Dr. Yarkpawolo said Liberia will participate with a high-level delegation headed by Finance and Development Minister Augustine K. Ngafuan, who will represent the government and people of Liberia during the leaders’ summit.
A National Pavilion and a Global Message
Liberia, he announced, will host its own national pavilion at the conference, a vibrant showcase of the nation’s forest wealth, blue economy, and investment opportunities in green industry.
Through the pavilion, Liberia will present itself as a “global climate solution country,” with a strong focus on emission reduction, adaptation strategies, and mobilizing climate finance.
Ambitious Emission Targets
The EPA Director disclosed that Liberia’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution sets an ambitious target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 64 percent by 2035.
“This renewed plan aligns with President Boakai’s ARREST agenda, turning climate action into pathways for economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said.
Introducing the Carbon Market Policy
A major highlight of Liberia’s COP30 presentation, he added, will be the launch of the Carbon Market Policy, currently in its final review phase.
The policy, he explained, provides a national framework for emission reduction projects, ensures transparent benefit-sharing, and aligns Liberia with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which governs international carbon trading mechanisms.
The Natural Capital Atlas: Liberia’s Hidden Wealth
In partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the EPA has developed Liberia’s first-ever Natural Capital Atlas — a post-war milestone that documents the country’s forests, rivers, minerals, and biodiversity.
“This atlas demonstrates that Liberia’s natural capital is not only our heritage but a foundation for sustainable economic transformation,” Dr. Yarkpawolo stated. The atlas will be officially launched on November 10, 2025, during the opening of COP30.
Digital Hub for Climate Information
To improve public access to climate information, the EPA has established a dedicated COP30 website:
www.LiberiaClimateNegotiations.online LiberiaClimateNegotiations.online
The platform serves as a one-stop hub for updates on Liberia’s climate policies, delegation profiles, pavilion activities, and official outcomes from the global conference.
Building Consensus at Home
As part of its preparation, the EPA will convene a national preparatory meeting of the Liberian delegation on October 31 at the University of Liberia’s State-of-the-Art Climate Laboratory.
An inter-ministerial and legislative meeting will follow on November 1 at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi County to harmonize policy positions and ensure a unified national stance at COP30.
Key Global Climate Issues
Dr. Yarkpawolo identified carbon markets, loss and damage financing, ocean conservation, and just transition pathways as major issues expected to dominate discussions at this year’s COP.
“For Liberia, these topics are critical in determining how we access climate finance, restore coastal ecosystems, and create green jobs,” he stressed.
Protecting Forests, Protecting the Planet
Liberia, he noted, holds 43 percent of West Africa’s remaining forest cover, making it a key player in global carbon absorption and biodiversity conservation. “Protecting Liberia’s forests and wetlands is protecting the planet itself,” he asserted.
Dr. Yarkpawolo maintained that Liberia’s message at COP30 will be one of partnership, innovation, and shared responsibility.
“We are not just victims of climate change, we are custodians of the world’s natural wonders and partners in global climate solutions,” he said firmly.
He called on development partners and investors to work with Liberia in transforming its natural capital into “sustainable prosperity for all Liberians.”
According to him, the time has come to turn global sympathy for climate-vulnerable nations into concrete financial commitments and technology partnerships that drive green development.
EPA’s Appreciation to Partners
On behalf of the Government of Liberia, the EPA Director expressed gratitude to citizens, partners, and institutions for their continued support in strengthening the country’s environmental leadership.
He reaffirmed that the agency remains committed to ensuring transparency, collaboration, and accountability in Liberia’s climate governance.
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