(Ganta, Nimba County-December 2, 2024): The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Environmental Governance Project, has launched a two-day training workshop for environmental and mining inspectors. The workshop, taking place at Jackie’s Guesthouse in Ganta, Nimba County, gathered over 200 inspectors from across Liberia under the theme, “Participatory Environmental Monitoring, Reporting and Management: Capacity Building of Environmental and Mining Inspectors to Support County Environmental Committees.”

Welcoming participants to the city, Boyle R. Goanue, Director of Sanitation for Gompa City Corporation, extended greetings on behalf of Gompa’s Mayor, Samuel S. Hardt. He urged attendees to feel at home, expressing the city’s support for the workshop. Mayor Hardt, he noted, was unable to attend due to his trip to Monrovia to sympathize with the family of fallen Nimba County Senator Prince Y. Johnson.

In his opening remarks, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo lauded the UNDP for its support, stating that the training aligns with the EPA’s mandate to ensure a clean and healthy environment for all Liberians. He highlighted the critical role of the EPA’s Inspectorate team, often referred to as “Environmental Police,” in enforcing Liberia’s environmental laws.

Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized that training is an investment in human capital, equipping inspectors with the skills necessary to uphold environmental standards. He pointed out the tangible impacts of the Inspectorate’s work, citing over $1 million in fines imposed this year and significant progress in corporate compliance.

He said the training aims to further enhance inspectors’ capacities to enforce environmental laws, collaborate with communities, and educate developers on sustainable practices.

He urged Liberians to embrace environmental responsibility, noting, “It is less costly to obey the laws than to break them.”

Representing the UNDP, Mr. Moses Massah, Energy and Environmental Program Specialist at the UNDP, highlighted the significance of environmental protection as a cornerstone of sustainable development. He commended the inspectors for their vital role in safeguarding Liberia’s natural resources, urging them to view their work not only as a job but as a critical contribution to the nation’s future.

“This training program is designed to provide you with the knowledge, tools, and skills necessary to carry out your important work with excellence and integrity,” Mr. Massah said. He emphasized the inspectors’ roles as educators, advocates, and leaders in promoting sustainability and enforcing environmental regulations.

Mr. Massah also shared key takeaways from the recent global Environmental Governance Program (EGP) Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

He said while Liberia will not receive direct financial resources in the next phase of the EGP due to funding constraints, the country will continue to benefit from technical support, access to the EGP knowledge hub, and participation in global events. He encouraged the EPA to maintain strong connections with the program to leverage these opportunities.

Assistant Minister for Planning, Research, and Development at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Emmanuel Vaye, expressed gratitude to the EPA and UNDP for initiating the training. He stressed its importance in equipping inspectors with the necessary skills to effectively carry out their duties.

“This training is not only timely but will have a significant impact on the inspectors as they perform their responsibilities,” Minister Vaye stated. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the EPA and UNDP in strengthening environmental governance and urged participants to maximize the opportunity.

The workshop aims to strengthen participants’ understanding of:

1. Roles and relationships of County Environmental Committees, EPA inspectors, and community members.

2. Regulations governing mining operations, particularly Class A and B mining.

3. The Environmental Inspectors Manual on enforcement.

4. EPA’s new administrative goals and objectives.

5. Principles of servant leadership

The training is expected to enhance the effectiveness of Liberia’s environmental governance framework, empowering inspectors to address challenges and drive progress in environmental sustainability.