The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken the lead in coordinating Liberia’s environmental sustainability agenda under Pillar Five of the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, a move aimed at strengthening collaboration across public institutions and improving the country’s environmental governance.
The EPA formally assumed the role during a high-level coordination meeting held Friday at its headquarters in Monrovia. The meeting brought together representatives of government ministries, agencies, and commissions to discuss how institutions will work together to implement the environmental pillar of the national development plan.
Addressing the gathering, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo said the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has assigned the agency responsibility for coordinating, monitoring, and reporting on all activities under the environmental sustainability pillar.
Dr. Yarkpawolo described the assignment as a significant responsibility, saying environmental protection is closely tied to Liberia’s broader development goals. He noted that sectors such as agriculture, mining, public health, energy, road construction, and sanitation all depend on sound environmental management.
He said the EPA cannot achieve those goals alone and called on government institutions to work together to ensure policies are effectively implemented. Stronger cooperation, he added, will improve accountability and help government agencies better measure their progress.
According to Dr. Yarkpawolo, the EPA will establish a reporting system that allows ministries and agencies to regularly share information on their activities. The agency will use the reports to monitor implementation and identify areas requiring additional attention.
He also announced that quarterly coordination meetings will be held to review progress, discuss challenges, and ensure that institutions remain on track in carrying out their responsibilities under the environmental pillar.
Representatives of the participating ministries and agencies welcomed the initiative and pledged to work closely with the EPA. They reaffirmed their commitment to advancing environmental protection, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting sustainable development across the country.
The environmental sustainability pillar is one of the key components of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, the government’s national development blueprint.
It focuses on protecting Liberia’s natural resources while ensuring that economic growth is pursued in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.
With the EPA now serving as the coordinating institution, officials say they expect closer collaboration among government agencies, better monitoring of environmental programs, and a more coordinated approach to addressing Liberia’s environmental and climate challenges.
