EPA Launches US$2 Million Project to Enhance Protection of Liberia’s Wetlands

MONROVIA LIBERIA: In a bid to strengthen environmental conservation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a US$2 million program designed to equip youths as monitoring officers and enhance oversight on wetlands protection across Liberia.

By: Emmanuel George

Announcing the initiative on Monday, February 2, 2026, the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Emmanuel Yarkpawolo, said it aims to safeguard physical the environment, support livelihoods and advance national development.

Speaking during activities marking this year’s World Wetlands Day, Yarkpawolo stated that the project will employ youth as wetland security officers, remove illegal structures, install barriers to prevent encroachment, restore degraded areas, create protected mangrove parks, and use drones for monitoring.

“This program reflects the EPA’s firm commitment to protecting Liberia’s wetlands while using environmental conservation as a pathway to job creation and sustainable development,” he emphasized.

The EPA Executive Director stressed the importance of wetlands to Liberia’s physical environment, noting that they play a critical role in flood control, biodiversity protection, fisheries, and climate resilience.

“Wetlands are among our most valuable natural resources, yet they are under increasing threat. Protecting them is not optional—it is a national responsibility,” said Emmanuel Yarkpawolo.

He at the same time called on government institutions, development partners, the private sector, civil society organizations, and local communities to work in partnership with the EPA to ensure the success of the initiative.

“We cannot protect our wetlands alone. It requires the collective effort of government, partners, communities, and all stakeholders to ensure these ecosystems are preserved for future generations,” he added.

The EPA Executive Director also expressed gratitude to the government through President Joseph Boakai and international partners for their continued support for the sustainable management of Liberia’s wetlands.

“We are grateful to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and our international partners for standing with us in our efforts to sustainably manage and protect Liberia’s wetlands,” Yarkpawolo noted.

Protecting Liberia’s wetlands remains a major concern as vulnerable communities continue to suffer erosion and flooding due to the construction of structures in protected wetland areas.