Liberia has called for greater support for vulnerable developing countries at the 8th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the 71st GEF Council Meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The meetings have brought together representatives of 186 member countries to discuss global environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, pollution, and sustainable development financing.
Liberia is represented by Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Operational Focal Point for the GEF; Benjamin Karmorh, Chief Technical Advisor; and Desmond Thompson, Alternative Operational Focal Point.
During the West African Constituency Meeting, Dr. Yarkpawolo thanked the GEF for its continued support to Liberia and highlighted major environmental projects currently being implemented across the country.
“Liberia is currently implementing a US$10 million coastal defense project, and this week we launched another US$10 million project supporting agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and biodiversity conservation,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said.
He noted that GEF-funded projects have helped strengthen Liberia’s efforts to address climate change, protect biodiversity, and improve environmental management.
At the same time, he expressed concern about the GEF’s co-financing requirements, saying they remain difficult for least-developed countries facing economic and environmental pressures.
“The current 7:1 co-financing ratio means that for every US$1 provided by the GEF, countries are expected to secure US$7 in co-financing. For countries like Liberia, this is a significant challenge as we continue to deal with climate change, biodiversity loss, coastal erosion, and other environmental threats,” he said.
According to the Liberian delegation, the GEF acknowledged the concern and indicated that the matter would be reviewed.
Dr. Yarkpawolo also drew attention to the growing threat of sea-level rise and coastal erosion, warning that communities along Liberia’s coastline are increasingly at risk.
“All of Liberia’s coastal cities and communities are threatened by sea erosion. This is already affecting people’s lives, infrastructure, and economic activities. We encourage the GEF to consider sea-level rise and coastal erosion as key priorities in future planning and financing,” he said.
The GEF Assembly, which is held every four years, is the institution’s highest decision-making body. It provides member countries with an opportunity to discuss environmental priorities and shape future funding and policy directions.
Liberia continues to benefit from GEF support in areas such as climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, coastal protection, sustainable land management, and environmental governance. The country remains one of several developing nations seeking increased international support to address the growing impacts of climate change.
The Liberian delegation reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the GEF and ensuring that environmental projects deliver tangible benefits to communities while supporting national development goals.
The Council meeting continues through June 3, with delegates expected to discuss financing arrangements, policy priorities, and future investment strategies for environmental programs worldwide.
