The Department of Multilateral Environmental Agreements – at the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 concludes a two (2) days annual Staff Retreat at the Corina’s Hotel in Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia.
During the Retreat, the Director of the MEAs Department, Mr. Arthur R. M. Becker highlighted the essence of the retreat as a means of providing a unique opportunity to reflect on achievements, assess challenges, and strategize for the future as the team work towards ensuring a clean, safe, and healthy environment for all Liberians. as well as delivering on direct outputs as a department in aligning with the EPAs Strategic Plan (2025-2029) and by extension the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
According to Mr. Becker, the department have made a significant strides in enhancing Liberia’s participation in various international environmental treaties over the past year.
Adding that commitment to multilateralism has allowed active engagement with global partners to address pressing environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution successfully coordinating national efforts to implement key agreements that align with our national development policies.
He however emphasized their role as a clearinghouse for MEAs has been instrumental in facilitating communication between national focal points and international secretariats, Thus enabling the better shared management of natural resources and harmonizing our environmental laws with international standards.
Furthermore, the Department head noted that they have provided essential public awareness campaigns that educates stakeholders about commitments under various agreements emphasizing the need to focus on key objectives that will guide actions in the coming years including;
•The Reinforcement of sustainable domestication of International Commitments;
•Lobbying for additional budgetary support from the government to fulfil Multilateral Obligations;
•Establishing a National Climate Change Trust Fund which is vital for financing climate initiatives
•Implementing a Green Tax to generate revenue while promoting sustainable practices
•Activating a Conservation Trust Fund to help protect our natural heritage.

• Increase resource mobilization effort to promote multilateral efforts
• Reinforce reporting obligations at the International levels through National Communications, BTRs, NDCs, NAPs, NBSAPs, amongst others
• Forging stronger national and International partnerships
• Developing project proposals aimed at securing external funding.
  •Enhance project management capabilities to ensure effective implementation.
• Prioritize accountability of fund to maintain trust with donors.
• Evaluate the impacts of programs and projects to help in learning from experiences and improve future initiatives.
  In conclusion, Director Becker urged everyone to remain committed to the institutional mission as we navigate the complexities of environmental governance and contributes significantly to achieving the Environmental Protection Agency Strategic Plan as well as the broader picture of achieving the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, particularly Pillar V- Environmental Sustainability.
  “we can build a resilient Liberia that will not only meets its obligations under international agreements but also serves as a model for sustainable development in West Africa as continue working collaboratively towards achieving these goals while fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is heard.
  Thank you for your dedication and hard work. Let’s continue to chat this course and path” he ended.
  Meanwhile participants and focal points of the Department commended Mr. Becker for hosting the first ever MEAs departmental retreat in the history of the EPA, pledging their commitment in fostering the goal of the department and Liberia at large.