The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has pitched Liberia’s stance on the protection of Lake Piso, a major mangrove ecosystem in Liberia.
At the UN General Assembly, Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized the government’s commitment, alongside local and international partners, to safeguarding Lake Piso, a crucial mangrove ecosystem, by designating it as a protected area and multiple-use reserve.
Yarkpawolo made the disclosure when he participated in a dialogue as a panelist on the topic Breaking Silos: Uniting Policy, Finance, and Action for Mangroves.
During the dialogue, Dr. Yarpawolo presented on the importance of conserving mangrove and highlighted the ambition of Liberia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) by including the expansion of national policies, plans and incentives to increase mangroves and coastal conservation and restoration and the expansion of marine ecosystem protection by establishing two marine protected areas.
The EPA Boss highlighted that Liberia is nearing the completion of the Marshall Wetlands project, aimed at fully protecting another significant mangrove area.
Dr. Yarkpawolo underscored the vital role of mangroves, stating, “We often view mangroves as victims in need of preservation. However, we should recognize that mangroves can help save us; humanity cannot survive without wetlands, including mangroves,” he highlighted during a sideline engagement at UNGA in New York City.
The Mangrove Breakthrough is an ambitious multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to secure $4 billion to protect 15 million hectares of mangrove forests by 2030.
This initiative is part of the Sharm El-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda and builds on the Global Mangrove Alliance’s efforts.
It provides a framework for both state and non-state actors to halt mangrove loss, restore half of recent losses, double protections, and ensure sustainable financing for existing mangroves.
The side event aimed to break down barriers between policy, finance, and practical action to drive transformative changes in mangrove conservation and restoration.
A panel discussion gathered government representatives, financial experts, private sector leaders, philanthropists, and practitioners to explore collaborative strategies.
By aligning stakeholders under the Mangrove Breakthrough’s principles, the event sought to mobilize sustainable funding for effective mangrove conservation and restoration initiatives.
