-Concludes 8th ESIA Licensure Training to Strengthen Environmental Governance
By Vaye A. Lepolu
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Liberians through specialized training in Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), a program that has been instrumental in building local capacity for nearly two decades. The initiative aims to ensure sustainable development and environmental protection by equipping professionals with the skills needed to evaluate and mitigate the impacts of development projects.
At the conclusion of its 8th ESIA Licensure Training on March 3, 2025, the EPA emphasized the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability in environmental decision-making. The training, held under the theme *“Promoting Environmental Sustainability and Social Equity in Development Projects, Programs, and Policies,”* brought together environmental evaluators, professionals from government ministries, agencies, commissions, and representatives of non-governmental organizations.
In his keynote address, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo highlighted the significance of the training, noting that it aligns with the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia (EPML). Sections 10.2 and 10.3 of the law mandate the EPA to maintain a registry of qualified consultants authorized to conduct environmental and social impact studies and to train personnel to ensure compliance with ESIA requirements.
Dr. Yarkpawolo explained that the ESIA process evaluates both the positive and negative impacts of development projects—such as infrastructure development, road construction, and industrial activities—on the environment. These assessments are critical to ensuring that land, air, water, plants, animals, and human communities are not adversely affected. The findings lead to the formulation of Environmental Management Plans (EMPs), which focus on mitigating negative impacts while enhancing positive outcomes.
“The core mission of the EPA is to promote sustainability by ensuring that present-day resource utilization does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs,” Dr. Yarkpawolo stated. He urged participants to produce high-quality ESIA reports, develop SMART Environmental Management Plans, and ensure proper implementation and reporting to the EPA.
Since its inception, the ESIA training program has accredited 19 nationally recognized environmental consultancy firms responsible for preparing project-specific environmental reports. Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized that the EPA does not favor any specific firm but directs project developers to choose from the accredited list, fostering a competitive environment where firms with a track record of quality work are more likely to be recommended for future projects.
He also acknowledged the role of the Union of Certified Environmental Professionals of Liberia (UCEL) in promoting high professional standards. “UCEL serves as a critical partner in ensuring that environmental professionals adhere to integrity and accountability,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said. He pledged the EPA’s continued support for UCEL under the government’s Liberianization policy, which seeks to empower Liberian-owned businesses and professionals.
Deputy Executive Director Mr. Dweh Siehwloh Boley Sr., who welcomed participants on behalf of the EPA, reflected on the agency’s long-standing efforts to build the capacity of environmental professionals. He recalled that the first ESIA training was conducted 17 years ago at the same venue and emphasized the urgent need for constructive engagement and collaboration with UCEL to strengthen environmental governance in Liberia.
UCEL President Mr. Solomon P. Wright also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of the two-week training in enhancing participants’ understanding of the state of the environment. “The participation of UCEL in this training is to support the EPA by bringing environmental issues to the forefront and ensuring that companies comply with regulations for the protection of Liberia’s environment and the interest of its citizens,” he said.
The training attracted over 75 participants from independent bodies, companies, ministries, and agencies across Liberia, underscoring the growing interest in environmental sustainability and the critical role of capacity building in achieving it.
Despite the progress made, the EPA expressed concern over ongoing challenges such as wetland degradation, pollution, and improper waste management. The agency also highlighted instances where companies bypass environmental impact assessments, continuing operations unchecked until violations are discovered.
“We cannot do it alone,” an EPA official stated. “We need collective action—from the government, communities, and the media—to protect Liberia’s environment.” The agency called on journalists to use their platforms to educate the public on environmental issues, emphasizing that journalism is a public trust with the power to amplify critical messages.
