The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has unveiled an ambitious five-year Strategic Environmental Management Plan (2025–2029) with a projected budget of $32,078,000. The plan aims to tackle Liberia’s pressing environmental challenges, strengthen institutional capacity, and modernize the country’s environmental governance framework.
The budget is structured with $15,188,000 expected from the Government of Liberia (GoL) and the EPA’s own contributions, while $16,890,000 is anticipated from donor partners. Central to the strategy is the construction of a modern EPA headquarters, reflecting the agency’s commitment to transformation and sustainability.
The EPA’s strategic overhaul follows findings by the Joint Presidential Transition Team (JPTT), established by President Joseph Boakai, which uncovered significant operational and structural shortcomings. Among the issues flagged were incomplete implementation of the previous 2022–2026 Strategic Plan, lack of key financial documents such as bank statements and payroll records spanning six years, and poor working conditions.
The findings also highlighted low staff morale, insufficient salaries, limited logistical support, and a dilapidated EPA main building. The agency’s operational account balance dropped from $17,723.54 in December 2023 to just $325 in February 2024.
Despite these challenges, the EPA reported significant achievements in 2024. Over 350 compliance inspections were conducted, more than 60 environmental permits issued, and over 20 non-compliance cases addressed, resulting in $1,020,000 in fines and over $200,000 in government revenue.
The EPA also hosted a regional scientific training on ocean acidification and partnered with Cambridge University to offer 150 scholarships for online learning. A climate lab was constructed at the University of Liberia, and six regional offices were established across the country. The agency strengthened its financial management systems, achieving an improved audit grade of 81% in the second quarter of 2024 compared to below 50% in the first quarter.
The new Strategic Plan aligns with Liberia’s national development goals and emphasizes environmental sustainability. Its objectives include equipping the central compliance monitoring laboratory with GIS technology, publishing the 3rd State of the Environment Report and the 2nd National Environmental Action Plan, and developing key environmental policies on air, water, and soil quality standards. The plan also outlines the establishment of an Environmental Court, automation of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process, and initiatives to increase domestic revenue by monetizing climate assets and implementing improved cook stoves.
To expand its reach, the EPA is decentralizing operations, with new offices under construction in Grand Kru and River Gee counties. Efforts are underway to recruit skilled personnel and address logistical deficiencies, including acquiring vehicles for compliance operations.
Liberia’s ratification of the Minamata Convention on Mercury and active participation in international climate negotiations demonstrate its commitment to global environmental standards. However, the EPA acknowledges significant hurdles, including inadequate financial and technical support, limited public awareness of environmental issues, and interference in compliance processes.
The EPA is calling for increased government funding, donor support, and stronger stakeholder collaboration to ensure the successful implementation of the Strategic Plan. This bold roadmap signals Liberia’s resolve to confront environmental degradation and climate challenges head-on. While the $32 million initiative is ambitious, its success hinges on sustained funding, effective execution, and strong leadership. As Liberia grapples with mounting environmental concerns, the EPA’s efforts will play a critical role in shaping a greener, more sustainable future.
