(London, January 24, 2024)– The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia has called for stronger international partnerships to support the country’s environmental and development goals during a sideline meeting with officials of the British Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office at the Forest Governance, Markets, and Climate Forum. The forum is taking place at Goodenough College in London, bringing together global stakeholders to discuss sustainable forestry and climate action.

Liberia’s delegation, led by the EPA’s Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo used the meeting to outline the country’s pressing priorities under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. The ARREST Agenda is an ambitious eight-billion-dollar development plan that aims to transform Liberia into a lower middle-income country by 2030. Dr. Yarkpawolo called on international partners to focus on projects under pillar five of the plan, which addresses environmental sustainability and climate change.

Dr. Yarkpawolo presented the EPA’s five-year strategic plan with a total budget of 32 million dollars, emphasizing that Liberia will raise 15 million dollars domestically while seeking international partners to bridge the gap of 17 million dollars. He assured partners that contributions could be directed towards specific projects, provided the EPA ensures coordination and accountability.

The EPA chief highlighted Liberia’s efforts to develop a carbon market policy aimed at utilizing forest resources to fund key infrastructure projects in road connectivity and energy. He called for support in decentralizing the EPA’s compliance and enforcement operations, which he described as vital to achieving environmental sustainability and ensuring adherence to environmental laws across the country.
Liberia is also campaigning for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term and appealed for the support of the British Government in this bid.
Phillip Parker, Board Chair of the Forestry Development Authority, endorsed the EPA’s priorities and added that Liberia is committed to adding value to its timber resources. He urged international partners to help Liberia shift from exporting raw timber to producing finished wood products, which will create jobs and boost local markets. Mr. Parker also called for support for the FDA’s Conservation and Community Department, which is working alongside the EPA on carbon market initiatives.
The British Government, represented by Nicola Stewart, Deputy Head of the International Forest Unit, expressed strong support for Liberia’s efforts. She assured Liberia of the UK’s backing for its UN bid and encouraged the country to collaborate with nations such as Brazil and Congo to amplify its voice on forest governance and climate issues. She committed to linking Liberia with Brazil to exchange knowledge on sustainable forest management practices.
Other participants in the meeting included Marieke Wit, Team Lead for Programme Management, Marian McCarthy from the Deforestation and Mining Sector, Julia Falcone from the FGMC programme, and Octavius Quarbo, Forest Governance Facilitator from Liberia.
The meeting underscored Liberia’s commitment to advancing sustainable development through robust partnerships and strategic investments in its natural resources. With international collaboration, Liberia aims to balance forest conservation with job creation, paving the way for a more sustainable future.