Monrovia, Liberia – July 1, 2025 – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has successfully concluded a two-day intensive training for more than 40 journalists and staff from the agency’s Communication Unit. The training, which began on Thursday, June 26 and ended Friday, June 27, 2025, was held at the St. Theresa Convent Conference Hall in Monrovia.

The event, held under the theme “Empowering Voices of Environmental Journalists for Sustainable Environmental Reporting,” brought together reporters from various media institutions along with EPA communication staff. It was aimed at strengthening their capacity to communicate environmental issues clearly, ethically, and effectively to the public.

The training was facilitated by experienced journalists, lawyers, and subject-matter experts including Atty. Daffae Senkpeni, Lennart Dodoo, Titus Tokpah of MediaAid, Garmondeh Wremongar, Blojay Joe II, Timothy R. Yoko, Jefferson Massah and others.

Their presentations covered critical areas such as:The formation and functions of the EPA, the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in journalism, ensuring scientific accuracy in environmental reporting, using storytelling to connect people to environmental issues, practicing solutions journalism, multimedia reporting, including photography, video and data use, ethical reporting and speaking truth to power and designing effective communication strategies.

Speaking at the close of the training on behalf of EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, the EPA’s Director of Administration, Mr. George M. Kawah, praised both the facilitators and participants for the success of the event. He said the EPA remains committed to building the capacity of journalists across the country so they can play an active role in promoting environmental awareness.

“We are very happy for all of you who made this training a success, especially our Communication Department headed by Mrs. Danese Love Dennis-Dodoo. We are so happy,” Mr. Kawah said.

He encouraged journalists to see the EPA as a partner, assuring them that the agency remains open to media inquiries and committed to sharing environmental information with the public.

The training began with a pre-test and ended with a post-test to evaluate participants’ understanding. At the end of the workshop, certificates of participation were awarded to all attendees.

Several participants took to social media to express appreciation to the EPA. Journalist Blamo N. Toe of the Liberian Investigator wrote on Facebook, “We’re grateful to the EPA’s Corporate and Communications Department headed by Madam Danese Dennis-Dodoo for the opportunity. It was a rewarding experience, and we gained a lot.”

Journalist Barclay Wolo Sr. also expressed his gratitude, writing, “Many thanks to the EPA Communication Department. I achieved great knowledge in environmental reporting.”

The EPA says the training is part of its ongoing effort to build a well-informed media corps that can help raise awareness about environmental protection, promote sustainability, and keep the public informed about the risks and solutions related to climate change and other environmental challenges.