-EPA Boss Warns Liberians
By Vaye A. Lepolu
Monrovia, Liberia – The Executive Director of Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, has issued a stern warning to Liberians against constructing buildings in wetlands and waterways, citing the severe environmental consequences of such actions. Speaking at a panel discussion held at Monrovia City Hall on Thursday as part of Monrovia Day celebrations, Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized that these practices contribute to environmental degradation and exacerbate flooding in urban areas.
“People are building in wetlands, waterways, and illegally backfilling wetlands. This is unacceptable,” Dr. Yarkpawolo declared. He noted that despite the EPA’s efforts to regulate these activities, enforcement remains a significant challenge, as many individuals continue to disregard stop orders issued by the agency.
To address this issue, Dr. Yarkpawolo revealed that the EPA has formally requested the support of the Liberia National Police to enforce environmental stop orders. Additionally, a proposal has been submitted to President Joseph Boakai for the establishment of a National Taskforce on Wetlands, which would be led by the EPA.
Coastal Erosion: A Growing Threat
Beyond wetland encroachments, Dr. Yarkpawolo highlighted the escalating threat of coastal erosion in Liberia, attributing it to climate change and global warming. He warned that coastal communities such as West Point in Monrovia, New Kru Town, Buchanan, Greenville, and Robertsport will continue to face increasing sea erosion.
“Coastal erosion is a serious problem that will only worsen if we do not act now,” he said. To mitigate this, the EPA is working to secure funding for coastal defense projects, including a proposed $20 million initiative to protect West Point from further erosion.
Solid Waste Management and Climate Action
Dr. Yarkpawolo also addressed the issue of solid waste management, noting that it has been incorporated into Liberia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), a framework for attracting international climate funding. He emphasized that environmental sustainability is a key pillar of the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), particularly in Chapter Five, which prioritizes environmental protection.
In 2024 alone, the EPA brought over 1,000 violators into compliance and shut down several sites for breaching environmental laws. However, Dr. Yarkpawolo acknowledged that enforcement remains a challenge, as some individuals continue to ignore EPA stop orders.
Despite these obstacles, he reassured the public of the EPA’s commitment to protecting Liberia’s environment. He pledged continued collaboration with institutions such as the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) and the Paynesville City Corporation (PCC) to promote cleaner and safer communities.
“We will continue to support the work of the MCC and PCC to ensure that our people can live in a healthier and more sustainable environment,” he said.
In a separate event marking World Radio Day, Dr. Yarkpawolo called on radio broadcasters to play a more active role in raising awareness about climate and environmental issues. Speaking at an event organized by the Association of Liberia Community Radio (ALICOR) with support from the Swedish government, he emphasized the unique power of radio to reach diverse audiences, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The event, held under the theme “Radio and Climate Change,” took place at the Effort Baptist Church in Paynesville. Dr. Yarkpawolo shared a personal anecdote from a recent visit to his village, where farmers expressed confusion over shifting planting seasons due to climate change.
“I know it is climate change, but explaining it in local dialects so that they understand is the challenge. This is where radio must help,” he said. He described radio as an indispensable tool for public education, stating, “The EPA depends highly on radio. There is no other technology as unique as radio for getting information to the people.”
Dr. Yarkpawolo praised Liberian broadcasters for their dedication to informing the public and urged them to collaborate with the EPA to educate citizens about environmental protection and climate action.
**World Radio Day: A Platform for Change**
World Radio Day, celebrated annually on February 13, was established by UNESCO in 2011 to recognize the transformative power of radio in shaping public opinion, spreading information, and fostering dialogue. In Liberia, where radio remains the most accessible form of communication, it serves as a critical medium for educating communities about pressing issues such as climate change.
As Liberia continues to grapple with environmental challenges, the EPA’s call for collective action underscores the importance of collaboration between government agencies, media, and the public to safeguard the nation’s natural resources and build a more sustainable future.
