Monrovia, October 5, 2025 – An official delegation from the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has left Monrovia for Freetown, Sierra Leone, to participate in a three-day South-South Learning Exchange Visit, scheduled for October 6–8, 2025. The exchange, according to the EPA, is designed to strengthen collaboration between the two countries in tackling pressing environmental challenges through shared experiences and innovative solutions.

The mission is being led by Mr. Anthony S. Kollie, Acting Deputy Executive Director of the EPA Liberia, who will head the Liberian team in meetings with Sierra Leone’s Environmental Protection Agency and other key stakeholders.

During the team stay, the EPA delegation is expected to hold a series of courtesy visits with Sierra Leone’s EPA leadership, as well as the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, to discuss ways of enhancing bilateral ties. Technical sessions will follow, covering areas such as climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, waste and chemical management, compliance monitoring, and public awareness strategies.

The exchange aims to expose staff and management to Sierra Leone’s successful environmental programs and initiatives, while also offering Sierra Leone the opportunity to learn from Liberia’s approaches. The knowledge sharing is intended to improve technical skills, strengthen environmental policy, and open avenues for collaboration on joint projects between the two countries.

Throughout the three days, discussions will also focus on multilateral environmental processes, including implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), biodiversity strategies, and obligations under global treaties such as the Montreal Protocol. Both delegations are expected to engage in brainstorming sessions on future joint initiatives, ranging from transboundary freshwater management and plastic waste reduction to youth innovation, climate-related peace and security, and regional representation at international climate conferences.

At the end of the visit, the two agencies are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize their partnership. This, the EPA noted, will not only strengthen institutional ties but also create a framework for continuous collaboration, capacity-building, and information exchange between Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The exchange is expected to yield concrete outcomes such as the drafting of an action plan for adopting best practices, stronger professional networks, and improved access to climate finance opportunities from the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, and other sources.

The visit highlights the growing importance of South-South cooperation in environmental governance within the Mano River basin. It also reflects both countries’ commitments to building resilience against climate change and promoting sustainable development through shared expertise.

The Liberian delegation, traveling by road through Bo Waterside, will conclude its mission with a joint press conference in Freetown before returning to Monrovia on Thursday, October 9, 2025.