Monrovia, April 17, 2026 – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have held a strategic engagement with former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as part of ongoing consultations with national stakeholders on climate resilience and coastal protection efforts.
The interaction which took place in Monrovia Thursday, forms part of broader institutional engagements around Liberia’s climate agenda, focused on the increasing impact of coastal erosion in vulnerable communities across Monrovia and other coastal areas. Participants shared perspectives on strengthening adaptation measures and scaling up practical interventions to safeguard communities and infrastructure.
EPA Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel King Urey Yarkpawolo, and UNDP Country Representative, Aleiou M. Dia, emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue and multi-stakeholder collaboration in advancing national climate priorities.
Discussions also highlighted opportunities to mobilize climate financing, including the potential development of a coastal defense and livelihood support concept for submission to the Fund for Loss and Damage. The initiative is expected to integrate both engineered and nature-based solutions while supporting livelihoods in at-risk communities.
The engagement further explored collaboration between UNDP and the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development, particularly in the areas of capacity building and women’s leadership in climate resilience.
As part of ongoing knowledge-sharing efforts, Dr. Yarkpawolo presented key national policy documents, including the Natural Capital Atlas of Liberia and the Local County Action Plans, reflecting Liberia’s commitment to data-driven and locally grounded climate action.
Also in attendance were Ellen Pratt, Executive Director of the Sirleaf Presidential Center, Salimatu Gilyeneh of UNDP, and other stakeholders.
The engagement underscores the role of broad-based partnerships in supporting Liberia’s climate resilience and sustainable development agenda.
