By Matalay Kollie
Gbarnga, Liberia–The Government of Liberia, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over the weekend convened a one-day consultative workshop aimed at validating the nation’s Climate Change Action Plan.
This initiative was supported by various partners, including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), marking a significant step in Liberia’s commitment to addressing climate change.
The workshop was part of ongoing efforts to update Liberia’s Climate Change Action Plan, known as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), which is aligned with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The validation exercise closely follows the completion of a stock-taking report of Liberia’s NDC 3.0 in 2020. This review is imperative, as global policy dictates that all member countries revisit their climate action plans every five years.
A diverse group of stakeholders participated in the workshop, including government officials and representatives from five of Liberia’s fifteen sub-political divisions: Bong, Lofa, Nimba, and Grand Bassa, among others.
Their involvement underscores a collaborative effort to incorporate regional inputs and ensure the plan addresses the specific needs of various communities throughout Liberia.
“The proposed five-year Climate Change Action Plan is designed to begin in 2025 and run through 2030,” stated Arthur R.M. Becker, the Director of Multilateral Environmental Agreements at the Environmental Protection Agency.
He emphasized the significance of the plan, explaining that, if validated, it will provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the impacts of climate change and identifying viable solutions.
Additionally, the consultative workshop was not only focused on the validation process but also acted as a platform for stakeholders to voice their insights and recommendations.
This engagement is crucial for fostering a sense of ownership among Liberians in the climate action framework, which ultimately aims to enhance the resilience of communities against climate-related challenges.
As Liberia navigates the complexities of climate change, the government’s collaboration with the EPA and its partners highlights a proactive approach to mitigating environmental challenges. The outcomes of this workshop will play a vital role in shaping the country’s climate action strategies for the coming years.
With these efforts underway, Liberia is poised to contribute actively to global climate action initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
The government encourages ongoing participation from all sectors to ensure the success and effectiveness of the Climate Change Action Plan.
As the workshop concluded, participants expressed their appreciation for the collaborative environment fostered by the EPA and its partners.
The feedback gathered will be instrumental in refining the Climate Change Action Plan, demonstrating Liberia’s dedication to addressing climate change challenges ahead of the forthcoming review period in 2025.
