Cali, Colombia – October 24, 2024 –The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, has participated in a pivotal dialogue on biodiversity and health, organized by the Government of Colombia, the UN Environment Program (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Secretariat of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD). The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the UNCBD in Cali, Colombia.

In his remarks on Thursday, October 24, 2024, Dr. Yarkpawolo reflected on his humble beginnings in Liberia, where he did not have access to formal education until the age of 14. He emphasized his awareness of indigenous knowledge and its vital role in environmental management, underscoring the need to integrate traditional wisdom into modern conservation strategies.

Addressing the critical issue of transboundary biodiversity protection, Dr. Yarkpawolo announced that Liberia has initiated negotiations with the governments of Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone to safeguard shared natural resources, including forests and water systems. He noted that discussions would soon extend to Guinea, as part of a concerted effort to protect the West African Guinean Forest, of which Liberia comprises about 40 percent.

Dr. Yarkpawolo urged fellow ministers to critically examine the relationship between biodiversity and indigenous peoples. “Why is poaching still occurring?” he asked, calling for a renewed focus on the knowledge and practices of indigenous communities. He argued for viewing indigenous knowledge in a transitional context, recognizing that historical practices may no longer be relevant in today’s ecological landscape.

In his advocacy for indigenous rights, Dr. Yarkpawolo highlighted the pressing needs of these communities for education, electricity, clean water, and modern amenities. He pointed out that many indigenous people express a desire to relocate to urban areas, where such resources are more readily available.

During the dialogue, Dr. Yarkpawolo also had a brief discussion with Madam Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). He shared insights into the Liberian Government’s environmental protection efforts under President Joseph Boakai’s leadership. Madam Andersen expressed gratitude for the EPA’s initiatives and pledged to collaborate with Liberia to foster a healthier environment for all.