President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has signed Executive Order No. 143, establishing a taskforce to address the encroachment on Liberia’s beachfronts, waterways, and wetlands.
This order is part of the government’s effort to protect the country’s coastal and wetland environments in response to growing concerns over pollution, erosion, and climate change.
The Executive Order highlights Liberia’s commitment to safeguarding its natural resources, mitigating environmental degradation, and ensuring long-term public health and economic sustainability.
It comes at a time when unchecked encroachment and pollution threaten both marine and terrestrial ecosystems, which in turn jeopardizes the livelihoods of Liberians.
The taskforce, chaired by the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and co-chaired by the Chairman of the Liberia Land Authority, is made up of key government officials, including the Ministers of Justice, Internal Affairs, Public Works, Mines and Energy, and Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism. Also involved are representatives from the Liberia National Police and local municipal authorities.
The taskforce has a broad mandate to halt the degradation and backfilling of wetlands, waterways, and beachfronts. It will also focus on implementing restoration measures for affected areas, enforcing wetlands regulations in collaboration with the EPA, and supporting local authorities in managing conservation efforts. Additionally, the taskforce will be responsible for raising public awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of preserving these ecosystems.
This new initiative also reinforces Liberia’s commitment to the Ramsar Convention, which the country signed in 2003 to promote wetland conservation. The taskforce will work closely with the National Climate Change Steering Committee to ensure a coordinated approach to sustainable environmental management.
President Boakai has directed the immediate implementation of the Executive Order, calling on all citizens, businesses, and local communities to support this national effort to protect Liberia’s natural heritage for future generations.
