Ganta, Nimba County – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, in collaboration with the Liberian Legislature’s Committee on Land, Mines, Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment, has launched an intensive Climate Learning and Exchange Forum for lawmakers. This three-day forum, running from February 14 to February 16, 2025, in Ganta, Nimba County, has convened more than 38 legislators to engage in comprehensive discussions on climate change mitigation strategies for Liberia. The initiative is supported by NovaSphere under the West Africa MRV bilateral support for climate actions – Implementation and governance with funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Welcoming the participants, Nimba County Electoral District #2 Representative Nyah Flomo, speaking on behalf of his colleague Representative Samuel Brown of District #1, underscored the pressing reality of climate change, stressing that every part of Liberia is experiencing its consequences.

“All of us seated here as lawmakers come from areas that are feeling the impact of climate change. Whether it’s unpredictable weather patterns, soil degradation, or flooding, our communities are affected. This is not just an environmental issue—it’s an economic and social concern. We, as lawmakers, have a crucial role to play in crafting policies that safeguard our environment and protect the livelihoods of our people,” Rep. Flomo stressed.

Providing an overview of the forum, Mr. Isaac Nyaneyon Kannah, MLCG Lead Coordinator, explained that the primary objective of the gathering is to bolster lawmakers’ knowledge of climate science, Liberia’s commitments to addressing climate change, mitigation actions, domestic carbon pricing policy, and national legal frameworks on climate change.

“The assumption is that many people, including lawmakers, may not fully grasp the complexities of climate change. This forum serves as a platform to bridge that knowledge gap. We want our legislators to be well-equipped to pass laws that directly address climate issues, ensuring that Liberia meets both its national and international obligations,” Mr. Kannah said.

He emphasized that the forum is structured as a collaborative exchange rather than a one-sided lecture series. Lawmakers will engage in dialogues about policy development for carbon pricing and climate law, sustainable nature-based solution to mitigate climate change among others that will boost national climate resilience efforts.

In his remarks, Representative Jeremiah Sokan, Chairman of the House Committee on Land, Natural Resources, and Environment, commended the EPA’s leadership for fostering legislative involvement in climate policy formulation.

“This is a significant step. Bringing the Legislature closer to the national climate agenda ensures that we, as lawmakers, have a say in policies that affect our people. Over the next few days, we will be reminded of how important every tree, every water source, and every patch of land is to our survival,” Rep. Sokan stated.

He further pointed out that Liberia has the legislative capacity to attract international partnerships to strengthen climate governance. He encouraged his colleagues to seize the opportunity to develop well-informed policies that support sustainable development.

EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo expressed gratitude to lawmakers for their participation, emphasizing the need for legislative backing in driving Liberia’s climate agenda forward.

“Climate change affects everyone, and having members of the House of Representatives here is a big step forward. The EPA has already developed a five-year strategic plan, which aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. We need the Legislature’s support to mobilize resources for its successful implementation,” Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized.

He urged legislators to champion climate policies that will ensure Liberia’s resilience against climate-related disasters and position the country as a proactive player in the global fight against climate change.

The EPA remains optimistic that this initiative will yield practical outcomes, ensuring that Liberia remains proactive in addressing climate change both nationally and internationally.

The forum will continue with interactive sessions, expert presentations, and legislative working groups aimed at drafting actionable policy recommendations that will guide Liberia’s climate resilience strategy in the coming years.