Monrovia-Liberia –In a speech delivered at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) headquarters on December 20, 2024, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the EPA, reflected on the agency’s achievements over the past year while highlighting future initiatives that align with Liberia’s development goals. The event also celebrated the agency’s reform efforts, underscored key international accomplishments, and previewed the 2025 work plan.
Dr. Yarkpawolo took the opportunity to share the status of the EPA when he assumed leadership in early 2024, noting numerous challenges that required urgent attention. When he was appointed in February, the EPA was grappling with several critical issues, including low employee morale, limited government funding, a deteriorating work environment, and an overall lack of institutional organization. The agency’s operational bank balance at the time was just $325, and its reputation was severely tarnished by a lack of public trust.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized the steps taken to reform the EPA. One of his key initiatives was introducing grievance and innovation boxes to gather feedback from staff. The complaints and suggestions were carefully reviewed, leading to reforms that included better management practices, restored employment for wrongfully dismissed staff, and improvements to staff welfare and operational transparency.
“We are building a team of professionals that, once our work is completed, will be among the best in Liberia,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said, quoting Steve Jobs’ philosophy on teamwork and innovation.
According to Dr. Yarkpawolo’s, under his leadership, the EPA made substantial strides in several areas in 2024. Among the notable achievements:
Four new county offices were established in Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, River Cess, and Montserrado, with plans to open additional offices in Grand Kru, River Gee, Maryland, and Sinoe counties in 2025.
The EPA conducted 1,463 compliance inspections, investigated 198 complaints, and issued 214 environmental permits. Additionally, 60 compliance notices were issued, which included fines and shutdown orders for companies violating environmental laws.
The EPA developed and approved 11 new policy and regulatory instruments aimed at improving environmental governance. These included water quality and soil quality regulations, solid waste management policies, and air quality regulations.
Dr. Yarkpawolo highlighted Liberia’s active participation in international environmental conferences and negotiations. These included the signing of key environmental agreements and securing international commitments for climate action funding, such as a $300 billion pledge for developing countries to address climate change from 2025 to 2035.
Relative to Climate Change and Research Initiatives, EPA Boss noted a new climate-smart laboratory was inaugurated at the University of Liberia to aid in scientific research. The EPA also spearheaded efforts to address land degradation and coastal protection, with projects underway to build coastal defences in West Point and Sinoe County.
Dr. Yarkpawolo presented the EPA’s five-year strategic plan, which aligns with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, particularly Pillar 5 on Environmental Sustainability. The plan, costing $32 million, sets a vision to promote responsible natural resource management, protect biodiversity, and build resilience against environmental changes. Additionally, a 2025 work plan, with a budget of $5 million, has already been developed to guide the EPA’s activities in the coming year.
However, Dr. Yarkpawolo also acknowledged on-going challenges, including Liberia’s outstanding arrears to international environmental agreements, limited awareness of environmental issues among the public and logistical constraints. He called for increased funding to ensure the success of the EPA’s projects and programs.
The EPA’s progress in 2024 was made possible with support from both local and international partners, including UNDP, Conservation International, and USAID. Dr. Yarkpawolo expressed his gratitude to these partners and reiterated the agency’s commitment to working collaboratively to achieve a greener, healthier, and more sustainable Liberia.
In conclusion, Dr. Yarkpawolo urged all stakeholders to continue supporting the EPA’s mission and to remain focused on the collective goal of fostering environmental sustainability for future generations.
As the event drew to a close, Dr. Yarkpawolo wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous, Green 2025, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts for a cleaner, more sustainable Liberia.
