MONROVIA – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has officially launched its five-year strategic plan for 2025-2029, marking a significant step in the country’s commitment to strengthening environmental governance and promoting sustainable practices nationwide.
By Francis G. Boayue
The launch event, held on Thursday, January 30, 2025, in Monrovia, introduced the plan, which emphasizes stewardship, professionalism, integrity, and transparency in addressing Liberia’s environmental challenges.
Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director and CEO of the EPA, outlined that the plan is backed by a total implementation budget of approximately $32.1 million. Of this, the agency is actively seeking $16.9 million in support from international partners, while committing to mobilizing $15.2 million from internal resources.
“Funding is crucial as we work towards tackling pressing environmental issues. The EPA is committed to ensuring sustainable solutions and effective environmental governance across Liberia,” Dr. Yarkpawolo stated.
He further emphasized that the five-year strategic plan is more than a roadmap; it is a pledge to Liberia’s citizens and stakeholders.
“We are dedicated to empowering local governance structures, enhancing institutional capacity, and fostering public engagement in environmental stewardship,” he added.
The EPA’s approach will involve decentralizing its operations and establishing environmental committees in each of Liberia’s 15 counties. This decentralization aims to ensure that environmental governance is a shared responsibility at all levels of society.
“The objectives in this plan are ambitious, and they focus on improving compliance and enforcement to safeguard Liberia’s environment,” Dr. Yarkpawolo concluded.
Mr. Charles Snetter, representing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at the event, read the President’s statement and officially launched the EPA’s five-year strategic plan.
Snetter conveyed President Boakai’s apologies for his absence due to other commitments and expressed the President’s strong support for the initiative.
“The launch of this strategic plan reflects our government’s unwavering commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges, including environmental degradation and climate change,” said Mr. Snetter, speaking on behalf of President Boakai.
The launch of the strategic plan is a crucial milestone in Liberia’s efforts to enhance environmental governance and sustainability, setting the stage for improved management of natural resources and long-term ecological resilience.