Executive Mansion, Monrovia– As a way to safeguard Liberia’s coastal and wetland environments, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has issued Executive Order No. 143, establishing a Taskforce Against the Encroachment on Beachfronts, Waterways, and Wetlands.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to protecting Liberia’s natural resources, mitigating environmental degradation, and ensuring public health and economic sustainability.
With growing concerns over pollution, erosion, and climate change, the Executive Order seeks to curb harmful activities that threaten marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
President Boakai emphasized that the unchecked encroachment and pollution of wetlands, waterways, and beachfronts pose significant risks to both the environment and the livelihoods of Liberians.
The newly formed Taskforce, chaired by the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and co-chaired by the Chairman of the Liberia Land Authority, comprises key government stakeholders, including the Ministers of Justice, Internal Affairs, Public Works, Mines and Energy, and Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism, as well as representatives from the Liberia National Police and local municipal authorities.
Under its Terms of Reference (TOR), the Taskforce will:
• Halt the degradation and backfilling of wetlands, waterways, and beachfronts;
• Implement restoration measures for affected areas;
• Enforce wetlands regulations in collaboration with the EPA;
• Support local authorities in managing conservation efforts;
• Report and document violations, ensuring legal action against offenders;
• Raise public awareness on the environmental and economic benefits of preserving these ecosystems;
• Monitor and evaluate conservation programs; and
• Prevent the use of non-eco-friendly pesticides.
Liberia’s signing of the Ramsar Convention in 2003 reaffirmed its commitment to wetland conservation, and this Executive Order builds upon that foundation by strengthening enforcement mechanisms. The Taskforce will work closely with the National Climate Change Steering Committee to ensure coordinated action and sustainable environmental management.
President Boakai has directed the immediate implementation of this Executive Order, reinforcing Liberia’s leadership in environmental governance and climate resilience.
The President calls on all citizens, businesses, and local communities to support this effort to protect the nation’s natural heritage for future generations.
