(Monrovia, April 17, 2025) – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia held a community engagement meeting on Thursday with residents of West Point, Fiamah and Plunkor – project-affected areas as part of the Monrovia Metropolitan Climate Resilience Project (MMCRP).

The primary goal of the meeting was to raise awareness about the project, its objectives, and the direct benefits it will provide to residents, particularly in the vulnerable coastal zones of Monrovia and its surrounding areas.

Hosted in one of the targeted coastal communities, the gathering attracted local leaders, fishermen, women traders, youth representatives, and environmental advocates, fostering a sense of ownership and encouraging community participation in the project’s implementation.

During the event, MMCRP Project Coordinator Mr. Zienu V. Kanneh expressed gratitude to the residents for their ongoing cooperation and underscored the significance of community involvement for the project’s success.

“This project is for you—the individuals who have long endured the challenges posed by coastal erosion, rising sea levels, and the loss of homes and livelihoods. Your engagement is essential to ensure its success,” Mr. Kanneh stated. “Our goal is to inform you about what is coming and how it will positively transform this community.”

He explained that the MMCRP is designed not only to protect the coastline from continued environmental degradation but also to empower communities both economically and socially. Among the key benefits highlighted by Mr. Kanneh was the construction of a modern fish storage facility to support residents engaged in fishing—focused on enhancing fish preservation and boosting their income.

“This facility will be a game-changer for our fisherfolk,” he noted. “It will improve hygiene, extend the shelf-life of their products, and create new business opportunities.”

Mr. Kanneh assured the community of the EPA’s ongoing commitment to transparency and inclusivity throughout the project’s lifespan. He encouraged community members to maintain open lines of communication with the project team and to express any concerns they might have.

In response, community members expressed their gratitude to the EPA and the project team for taking the time to communicate and seek their input. Several residents shared their experiences regarding the hardships caused by recurring floods and erosion, sharing their optimism that the MMCRP will bring lasting change.

“We are thankful to the EPA for including us in this process,” said a community elder. “This project brings us hope, and we are ready to support it in any way possible.”

The Monrovia Metropolitan Climate Resilience Project is part of a national initiative to adapt to the impacts of climate change through investments in nature-based solutions, infrastructure development, and community empowerment. It is funded through international climate finance mechanisms and implemented in partnership with various government agencies and development partners.