-Outlines achievements, challenges, and future strategies
Monrovia, Liberia – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia held an event on December 20, 2024, at its headquarters to mark the official closing of the 2024 program year, featuring a comprehensive review of achievements, challenges, and future strategies under the leadership of Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, the agency’s Executive Director.
Reflecting on the year, Dr. Yarkpawolo presented a baseline report detailing the agency’s reform efforts and the progress made since his appointment in February 2024.
Upon taking office, Dr. Yarkpawolo said he inherited a challenging landscape, with the agency facing low employee morale, a lack of budgetary support, and deteriorating working conditions. The agency’s financial status was precarious, with an operational account balance of just $325.00 at the end of February 2024, starkly contrasting the previous administration’s reports.
“The findings from our comprehensive assessment revealed a divided workforce and significant operational deficiencies,” Dr. Yarkpawolo stated. To address these issues, he initiated a series of reforms aimed at restoring trust and improving the agency’s functionality.
Among the key reforms implemented in 2024 was the establishment of grievance and innovation boxes, which encouraged employees to voice concerns and propose ideas for improvement without fear of retribution. This initiative yielded valuable insights, leading to the restoration of wrongfully dismissed staff, enhanced management structures, and increased opportunities for professional development.
The agency also achieved notable milestones in environmental compliance, conducting 1,463 inspections and issuing 214 environmental permits throughout the year. Furthermore, the EPA developed 11 new policy and regulatory instruments, including vital regulations on water quality, solid waste management, and air quality, all aimed at bolstering the private sector’s role in environmental stewardship.
Dr. Yarkpawolo highlighted the agency’s international engagements, which included the signing of eight international environmental agreements and a memorandum of understanding with Cambridge University to provide 150 scholarships for climate education. These initiatives are expected to enhance Liberia’s capacity to address pressing environmental challenges.
Looking ahead, the EPA unveiled its five-year strategic plan, aligned with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which aims to promote responsible resource management and enhance resilience to environmental changes. The plan, with a projected cost of $32 million, will be officially launched in January 2025.
Despite the agency’s successes, Dr. Yarkpawolo acknowledged ongoing challenges, including Liberia’s arrears to multilateral environmental agreements, which jeopardize the country’s standing in international forums. He urged the legislature to approve a budget allocation of $150,000 to address these dues and reiterated the importance of enhancing environmental awareness among the population.
As the event concluded, Dr. Yarkpawolo reaffirmed the EPA’s commitment to transforming Liberia’s environmental landscape, stating, “We will continue to work diligently with our local and international partners to achieve better outcomes across all environmental issues.” He extended his best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous and green 2025 to all Liberians.
Dr. Yarkpawolo expressed gratitude to the Governing Board, the Policy Council, and the President for their unwavering support, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to creating a conducive work environment while enforcing Liberia’s environmental laws.
