(Des Moines, Iowa, USA – July 13, 2024Dr) Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, delivered a compelling speech at the United Bong County Associations in the Americas (UBCAA) convention held in Des Moines, Iowa.
Highlighting urgent environmental issues in Bong County, he proposed innovative and profitable solutions to tackle pollution while promoting sustainable development.
Dr. Yarkpawolo detailed the severe environmental degradation and pollution in Bong County, attributing these issues to historical governmental failures, civil wars, and missed opportunities to transform environmental challenges into business ventures.
He cited a USAID study revealing mercury levels in the St. Paul River near small-scale gold mining operations to be 150 times higher than WHO guidelines.
In response, Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized the EPA’s proactive measures, including imposing fines totaling $965,000 on violators of environmental laws and closing down non-compliant companies.
He announced ongoing efforts to ratify the Minamata Convention, aimed at phasing out mercury use and cleaning contaminated waters.
Drawing attention to the soon-to-open Gbarnga Central Market, funded by the Japanese government, Dr. Yarkpawolo noted the absence of a comprehensive waste disposal system.
He called on UBCAA members to seize this opportunity by establishing waste management businesses, highlighting the potential for significant financial returns and contributions to environmental sustainability.
He proposed a practical business model, estimating substantial monthly and annual incomes from waste collection services, and emphasized the support from local authorities, including the EPA, the Superintendent, and the City Mayor, to facilitate such initiatives.
Dr. Yarkpawolo reiterated his commitment to innovative solutions for Bong County’s development, referencing past proposals such as the creation of a Bong County Development Corporation and an industrial park in Gbarnga.
He encouraged UBCAA members to explore the business potential in waste management and contribute to a cleaner, healthier Gbarnga.
He expressed gratitude to UBCAA President Caimon Joe Gbamokollie and the association’s members for their efforts in uniting and uplifting the Bong County community.
He emphasized the importance of collective hard work to overcome poverty and improve living conditions.
“Together, we can work hard to lift ourselves and our people out of abject poverty,” Dr. Yarkpawolo affirmed, urging collaboration and innovation to create wealth, employment, and a sustainable environment in Bong County.
The UBCAA convention is an annual gathering of Bong County diaspora members, aimed at fostering community ties, discussing development initiatives, and addressing issues affecting their homeland.
This year’s event featured keynotes, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for participants from across the United States.
The convention is under the theme: “Bong County Reunion: Embracing Our Diversity and Bridging the Generational Gap”.