MONROVIA — The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on illegal encroachments in protected wetlands, demolishing dozens of unauthorized structures along the Marshall Wetland near the Roberts International Airport highway in Schefflin Township, Margibi County.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
The demolition, carried out on Thursday, October 24, 2025, was led by the National Wetlands Taskforce as part of ongoing efforts to reclaim degraded wetland ecosystems across the country.
According to the EPA, the latest enforcement action follows persistent violations of the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia, including illegal land sales, backfilling, dumping, and unapproved construction activities that have severely impacted wetland areas.
The Agency described the Marshall Wetland operation as a necessary step to prevent further destruction of one of Liberia’s most important ecological zones.
EPA officials at the scene said the demolition serves as a strong message to individuals and land dealers involved in the sale or purchase of wetland areas that such practices are illegal and will no longer be tolerated. “The Agency will continue to implement strict measures to protect the nation’s wetlands and ensure offenders face full legal consequences,” an EPA representative stated during the exercise.
Wetlands play a critical role in maintaining Liberia’s environmental balance. They provide natural flood control, improve water quality through purification, and serve as key breeding and feeding grounds for fish, birds, and other aquatic life. However, ongoing encroachment and unregulated human activities have threatened these functions, exposing nearby communities to increased flooding, pollution, and loss of livelihoods.
The EPA emphasized that the demolition is part of a broader, sustained national effort to restore and conserve the country’s wetlands. The Agency announced that the National Wetlands Taskforce will continue profiling offenders for prosecution through the Ministry of Justice while intensifying monitoring and enforcement in collaboration with local authorities.
Beyond enforcement, the EPA revealed that it is working with civil society groups, international development partners, and local communities to promote sustainable wetland management and restoration programs. These initiatives aim to rehabilitate damaged ecosystems and strengthen community-based stewardship of natural resources.
As part of its long-term strategy, the EPA will also train and empower local residents to serve as frontline conservation stewards within their communities. This program is intended to build local capacity for environmental monitoring and enhance public participation in protecting critical habitats, particularly in climate-sensitive areas like Margibi, Montserrado, and Grand Bassa Counties.
The Agency has reiterated its call for all Liberians to desist from purchasing, filling, or constructing on wetlands and urged citizens to report any illegal land transactions or developments to the nearest EPA office. “Protecting wetlands means protecting lives, livelihoods, and the future of our environment,” the statement stressed.
EPA officials reaffirmed that the Agency remains committed to upholding Liberia’s environmental laws and advancing sustainable development practices in line with the country’s national climate and biodiversity goals.
The recent demolition in Margibi County, they said, is part of a continuing campaign to restore degraded ecosystems and prevent future environmental disasters linked to reckless human activity.
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