EPA, Partners Launch Regional Climate Consultation for Liberia’s Nationally Determined Contributions in Buchanan City

Monrovia, Liberia: The Environmental Protection Agency, with support from its development partners, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, held its first regional consultation on the development of Liberia’s third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0).

The high-level engagement took place in the port city of Buchanan; Grand Bassa County represents a critical step in Liberia’s national climate action strategy under the Paris Agreement.

This initial consultation brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government institutions, community leaders, civil society organizations, youth groups, women’s organizations, persons with disabilities, and representatives from the private sector.

The initiative is designed to ensure that the voices of all Liberians are reflected in the country’s updated climate roadmap.

The NDC 3.0 process was officially launched in March 2025 and is being guided by the core principles of ambition, inclusivity, and accountability.

Liberia’s goal is not only to fulfill its global climate commitments but also to develop a nationally owned plan that strengthens environmental governance and accelerates climate-resilient development initiatives.

Speaking on behalf of EPA’s Executive Director, Emmanuel Yarkpawolo Urey, the EPA’s Director of Multilateral Environmental Agreements, Arthur R.M. Becker, highlighted the urgency of climate action in Liberia.

Becker emphasized that Liberia is already grappling with severe climate impacts such as erratic rainfall patterns, coastal erosion, rising sea levels, biodiversity loss, and threats to food security—issues that require immediate and coordinated national responses.

The discussions also focused on turning these challenges into opportunities for innovation, green growth, and sustainable development.

Participants explored how Liberia can build a low-emission economy that uplifts communities while preserving the country’s natural resources for future generations.

Key issues addressed during the consultative meeting included the inclusion of new sectors in the NDC roadmap, the protection of land and children’s rights, freshwater ecosystems, county development priorities, loss and damage, and community-based climate adaptation. These thematic areas were carefully chosen to reflect Liberia’s unique environmental and social context.

The sessions were led by a team of national experts and institutional representatives, including John Forkpa Kannah, Urias S. Gull, Foday Bayoh of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Richard Hoff of the EPA’s RRF, and Sylvia Dorbor of the Society for Conservation of Nature Liberia (SCNL).

These facilitators provided technical guidance on how each sector could contribute to a comprehensive and responsive climate action framework.

The EPA also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of development partners, including the UNDP, UNCDF, University of Liberia, UNICEF, UN Women, ActionAid, Medica Liberia, and others.

According to the EPA, the financial and technical support of international donor partners continues to play a key role in Liberia’s efforts to design and implement a meaningful and effective NDC.

As the regional consultations continue across the country, the EPA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Liberia’s NDC 3.0 reflects the aspirations of its people.

The final document will serve not just as a policy framework but as a national blueprint for climate resilience, environmental protection, and inclusive development in alignment with the government’s ARREST Agenda.