-As Its ED Joins major engagement in New York
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, working with the Presidential Executive Order 143 Taskforce Against Encroachment on beachfront, Waterways, and Wetlands, along with the Ministry of Public Works (MPW), Paynesville City Corporation (PCC), Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), Liberia Land Authority (LLA), General Services Agency (GSA), and backed by the Liberia National Police (LNP), has begun a joint demolition exercise today, April 16, 2025.
This exercise is being carried out to enforce the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia (EPML) and the orders outlined in Executive Order 143. The demolition is taking place in the following areas: SKD Boulevard, Police Academy, Tyler Island, and Jacob Town.
The EPA had earlier held a press conference on April 8, 2025, to inform the public about the planned demolition. All affected individuals were notified ahead of time, and the EPA awareness team also held meetings with violators to inform them.
The EPA is warning all individuals and businesses with structures in wetlands, waterways, and beachfronts to voluntarily remove them now. If they fail to do so, the government will have no choice but to carry out more forceful demolitions.
People who are currently building or dumping dirt in these restricted areas are also warned to stop immediately. The flooding and destruction caused by last year’s rain—due to blocked drainage and illegal buildings—should be a serious lesson to everyone.
This demolition exercise will continue in other areas across the country. The EPA appreciates all citizens who are following the law.
Meanwhile, Liberia has joined the global conversation on marine conservation with the active participation of the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, in the first session of the Preparatory Commission for the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). The meeting is taking place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from April 14 to 25, 2025.
The BBNJ Agreement, adopted on June 19, 2023, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, is the first major international treaty in years aimed at protecting biodiversity in the high seas—areas of the ocean that lie outside any national jurisdiction. The treaty addresses critical issues such as the equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources, the creation of marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, and capacity-building for developing nations like Liberia.
Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo’s participation underscores Liberia’s commitment to global environmental governance and the sustainable management of marine ecosystems.
Also attending as credentialed members of the Liberian delegation are:
- Cllr. Rosetta Nagbe Jackollie
Assistant Minister for Legal Affairs - Atty. Anthony Toe Twe, Liberia Maritime Authority
- Ms. Jengeih Tamba, Liberia Maritime Authority
- Mr. Michael Garbo, Executive Director, Society for Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL)
The delegation is receiving strong support from the Permanent Mission of Liberia to the United Nations, headed by Ambassador Lewis G. Brown II and his team. Their assistance has been instrumental in facilitating Liberia’s active engagement during this historic session.
As the world works toward safeguarding the health of the ocean for future generations, Liberia’s presence at the table reflects a growing national commitment to environmental stewardship and meaningful participation in international policy-making.
