By: Cooper K. Sangar Jr.
Contributor
The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, has firmly rejected a proposal by Hon. Thomas Romeo Quiah, Representative of Sinoe County District #2, to strip Sapo National Park (SNP) of its protected status.
Representative Quiah recently submitted a motion to the House of Representatives seeking the degazettement of the park.
In response, Dr. Yarkpawolo issued a strong statement warning that such a move would result in “irreversible harm” to Liberia’s environmental integrity, economic future, and cultural heritage.
Sapo: Liberia’s Environmental Jewel
Describing Sapo National Park as the country’s “premier natural treasure,” Dr. Yarkpawolo highlighted its status as Liberia’s largest protected area and one of the most pristine tropical rainforests remaining on the planet.
The park is home to hundreds of mammal, bird, butterfly, and plant species—many of which are rare, endemic, or endangered.
Vital Climate and Ecosystem Services
Dr. Yarkpawolo underscored SNP’s significance in climate regulation, noting that it lies at the core of the Upper Guinean Forest—the largest remaining section in West Africa—and acts as a major carbon sink, with the potential to store up to 29 million tons of carbon.
“Removing its protection would not only jeopardize biodiversity but destroy Liberia’s competitive edge in global carbon markets,” he warned.
The park plays a key role in the country’s carbon trading ambitions and climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
He further emphasized that investing in protected areas yields substantial returns—studies show that for every dollar spent, at least six dollars are returned through services like water purification, flood control, and hazard mitigation.
These services also help mitigate drought and extreme weather impacts on surrounding communities.
Legal and International Implications
The EPA boss also pointed out that the proposal violates several national laws, including the Environmental Protection and Management Law (2003), the National Wildlife Conservation and Protected Area Management Law (2016), and the Forest Reform Law (2006).
It would also compromise Liberia’s promise to conserve 30% of its forests and breach obligations under international environmental and biodiversity agreements.
Communities Stand to Lose
Rejecting the idea that degazettement would benefit local communities, Dr. Yarkpawolo cited past cases of unregulated logging, which led to forest destruction and worsened poverty.
He noted that more than 90% of SNP staff are hired from nearby towns, providing steady employment and supporting local economies—jobs that would vanish if protections are lifted.
“History shows that degazettement tends to benefit powerful commercial actors, not local people,” he said. “It paves the way for unsustainable exploitation, deeper rural poverty, and the weakening of community rights.”
A Call for Reform, Not Removal
Instead of dismantling the park’s protections, the EPA is calling for improved management and greater community involvement.
Recommendations include increasing the park’s operational funding, launching international fundraising efforts, conducting carbon credit feasibility assessments, and resolving land and boundary disputes with local communities.
“The long-term environmental and economic costs of degazettement far outweigh any short-term gains,” Dr. Yarkpawolo stated. “Our responsibility is not to undo Sapo National Park, but to realize its full potential for conservation and sustainable development.”
Sapo National Park, located in Sinoe County and covering 180,400 hectares, remains one of Liberia’s most vital strongholds of biodiversity, climate resilience, and national identity.
