The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA), through its National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS), has officially launched the National Carbon Market Policy Dialogue in Ganta, Nimba County.
The two-day forum has brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, lawmakers, development partners, civil society, private sector actors, youth and women leaders, and academics-to begin shaping Liberia’s first national carbon market policy.
During the opening ceremony, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo highlighted the urgent need for collective climate action, emphasizing that Liberia is already grappling with the effects of climate change.
He described the carbon market as a vital opportunity for the country to both protect its forests and benefit economically by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Dr. Yarkpawolo presented four critical areas requiring national consensus:
Carbon Ownership–Clarifying who holds rights over carbon resources in Liberia
Revenue Sharing–Developing an equitable system for distributing carbon market proceeds.
Market Structure–Deciding between a voluntary, compliance, or hybrid carbon market system.
Institutional Framework–Creating a transparent authority to manage and regulate carbon trading
He revealed that the EPA and the National Climate Change Steering Committee (NCCSC) have already conducted consultations in seven counties and produced a draft policy in collaboration with local experts, international partners, and the Coalition for Rainforest Nations (CfRN).
Liberia aims to present the finalized version at the upcoming COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil this November.
Dr. Yarkpawolo expressed appreciation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., the Ministry of Finance, the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), and international supporters such as Canada, the EU, UNDP, the UK Government, Welt Hunger Hilfe, and others for their technical and financial backing.
“This effort is monumental,” he stated. “With inclusive engagement, we can develop a policy that strengthens Liberia and contributes to global climate goals.”
Deputy Minister for Economic Management, Hon. Dehpue Y. Zuo, emphasized that the dialogue aligns with President Boakai’s vision and the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which prioritizes sustainable use of Liberia’s natural resources.
“This isn’t just another forum,” Zuo said. “It’s about recognizing the value of our natural capital and transforming it into growth, development, and opportunity for every Liberian.”
He also urged deeper collaboration across sectors and proposed innovative financing methods like blended finance and green bonds. He stressed the need to harmonize the policy with existing laws, including the Revenue Code, Local Government Act, and community land ownership frameworks.
“We can’t be the stewards of the Upper Guinea Forest and still live in poverty,” Zuo added.
FDA Managing Director, Hon. Rudolf J. Merab, echoed these sentiments, noting that carbon is now one of Liberia’s most valuable resources-alongside timber, minerals, and gold.
“The way we manage carbon will shape Liberia’s future,” Merab warned. “If we allow it to be monopolized or mismanaged, we risk losing a golden opportunity.”
He called on participants to act in the national interest, promoting unity and a people-centered approach.
As preparations for COP30 intensify, Liberia’s environmental and economic leaders reaffirmed their commitment to crafting a transparent, inclusive, and forward-looking carbon market policy-one that positions Liberia as a regional model in climate leadership while unlocking new paths for development and prosperity.
