By: G. Benne Bravo Johnson I
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has successfully concluded a two-day Technical Dialogue focused on integrating the country’s freshwater ecosystems into its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 3.0. The event took place at the Corina Hotel in Sinkor, Monrovia, from December 5 to 6, 2024, under the theme: “Watering Liberia’s Updated Nationally Determined Contributions 3.0: Increasing Ambition for the Future.”
Supported by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the dialogue brought together experts, stakeholders, and organizations to tackle the escalating threats to Liberia’s freshwater resources.
In his opening address, Dr. Emmanuel Urey-Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the EPA, underscored the vital role of freshwater in Liberia’s socio-economic development. Quoting Benjamin Franklin, he stated, “When the well goes dry, we know the worth of water,” highlighting the urgent need to address the pressures facing Liberia’s extensive water resources, which include six major rivers, due to pollution, human activities, and climate change.
Dr. Urey-Yarkpawolo specifically pointed to the St. Paul River, a crucial source of water and hydroelectric power for Monrovia, noting that reduced water levels are already affecting power production and water availability, particularly during the dry season. “The sustainability of our freshwater ecosystem is key to our national development,” he emphasized. He also referenced the commitment made by Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koungat COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to prioritize freshwater ecosystems in Liberia’s updated NDCs. This dialogue aligns with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Growth and Development, which emphasizes environmental sustainability.
Armel Mewouth, Regional Water Focal Point for IUCN’s Central and West Africa Programme, commended Liberia’s initiatives and pledged ongoing support for the country’s freshwater projects. “We want to see Liberia become a member of the IUCN,” he stated.
Mohammed Bangale, Water Aid Liberia Representative, expressed gratitude to the event’s organizers, highlighting his organization’s efforts in providing clean water and sanitation since 2009. He called for enhanced collaboration to address Liberia’s water-related challenges.
Augustine Wehyee, Head of Research and Statistics at the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, raised concerns about the increasing threat of pollution to Liberia’s freshwater resources. “Waste dumping in rivers is a serious issue. This workshop will help us identify solutions for better managing our freshwater ecosystem,” he noted.
Eric Patten, Coordinator of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture at the University of Liberia, emphasized the importance of the dialogue in raising awareness and promoting effective protection of freshwater resources.
The workshop, which included representatives from the EPA, National WASH Commission, University of Liberia, UNDP, and other key stakeholders, focused on developing strategies to combat pollution, promote sustainable management, and integrate freshwater ecosystems into Liberia’s climate action plans.
The event concluded on December 6, 2024, with the expectation of generating actionable recommendations to safeguard Liberia’s freshwater resources for future generations.
