(Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, March 20, 2025)-The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia has opened a Climate Learning and Exchange Forum for members of the Liberian Senate under the theme Advancing Legislative Actions for Climate Mitigations in Liberia. The event, which runs from March 20 to March 23, 2025, is being held in Buchanan Grand Bassa County with funding from the Government of Canada through NovaSphere and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia.

The forum brings together senators from across Liberia to strengthen their understanding of climate change issues and explore ways to enhance environmental policies.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo stressed that climate change and environmental challenges are the most significant threats of the 21st century. He noted that global warming, unpredictable weather patterns, rising sea levels and deforestation are serious issues affecting not only Liberia but the entire world.

Dr Yarkpawolo told the gathering that the discussions would cover key areas such as Liberia’s environmental policies, the country’s efforts to develop a comprehensive carbon policy and the responsibilities of lawmakers in tackling these challenges through legislative enactment.

He emphasized that the role of the legislature is crucial in making climate-conscious policies and ensuring their implementation. He further stated that the forum would provide an opportunity to assess the progress made by the EPA, identify challenges, and explore possible solutions.

He also underscored the importance of ratifying the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement known as BBNJ, an international treaty that seeks to regulate the sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national borders. He expressed appreciation to the Government of Canada and NovaSphere for their continued support in strengthening environmental governance in Liberia.

Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Hydrocarbon and Environment, was represented by Grand Cape Mount County Senator Simeon Taylor. Senator Taylor welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the importance of engaging with climate experts to help lawmakers make informed decisions. He noted that as members of the legislature, their primary responsibility is to enact laws and oversee government agencies to ensure effective policy implementation.

Senator Taylor stressed that climate change is a complex issue that requires technical knowledge and expertise. He explained that as lawmakers, they rely on environmental professionals to provide guidance on what needs to be done. He further noted that if policies are introduced that go against climate action, the legislature has the power to challenge them and ensure they are aligned with the country’s environmental goals.

He emphasized that the forum presents an opportunity for lawmakers to understand the pressing environmental challenges facing Liberia so that when climate-related legislation is introduced they will already have the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions.

He expressed gratitude to the EPA and its Executive Director for organizing such an important gathering.

Grand Gedeh County Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely also addressed the forum, emphasizing that legislative actions on climate change should be people-centered. He noted that while lawmakers are responsible for creating laws, they must ensure that those laws reflect the realities of people living in rural communities who are directly affected by environmental changes.

Senator Nimely pointed out that many communities across Liberia have experienced environmental shifts that they do not fully understand. He stressed that laws should be developed in a way that includes and benefits local populations.

He urged the government to take a proactive approach rather than waiting for external support before implementing environmental policies. He stated that even small steps can make a difference and that Liberia must act now rather than waiting for complete funding before addressing climate challenges.

John S McKay Jr., Technical Manager at the Forestry Development on behalf of the FDA Managing Director. He highlighted that scientific research has proven that human activities are the primary contributors to climate change.

He stated that global warming resulting deforestation and environmental degradation are direct results of human actions, and Liberia, like many other developing countries, is highly vulnerable to these effects

McKay noted that no country is immune to climate change and that its impacts are felt most severely in vulnerable communities such as those in rural Liberia.

He emphasized that the fight against climate change is not solely the responsibility of the government but requires collective action from individuals communities and institutions. He pointed out that while the government can create policies and pass laws, citizens must also adopt environmentally friendly practices to contribute to a sustainable future.

He expressed hope that by the end of the forum, participants would have developed concrete action plans to safeguard Liberia’s environment and strengthen climate resilience across the country.

Isaac Nyaneyon Kannah Lead Coordinator for NovaSphere’s Multilevel Climate Governance program provided an overview of the forum’s learning objectives. He explained that the technical sessions would focus on several key areas including the science behind climate change, global commitments to climate action, local climate initiatives, climate financing, knowledge sharing on climate governance, and the legislative processes involved in drafting environmental laws in Liberia.

He emphasized that by equipping lawmakers with the necessary knowledge, the forum aims to ensure that Liberia’s legislative actions are aligned with international climate commitments and national sustainability goals.

He further noted that the discussions would help senators understand how they can integrate climate change considerations into their decision-making processes and ensure that the country is well-positioned to address environmental challenges.

The Climate Learning and Exchange Forum in Buchanan follows a similar event held in Ganta Nimba County from February 14 to February 16 2025. That gathering was organized by the EPA in collaboration with the House Committee on Land Mines Energy Natural Resources and Environment and brought together more than 40 Representatives to discuss climate mitigation strategies.

The initiative was supported by NovaSphere under the West Africa MRV bilateral support for climate actions program with funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence is expected to join the forum later this afternoon.