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Press Release
(Buchana, Grand Bassa, March 23, 2025)-The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia has concluded a three-day Climate Learning and Exchange Forum for members of the Liberian Senate and their staffers under the theme “Advancing Legislative Actions for Climate Mitigation in Liberia.”
The event, which started on March 20, 2025, and ended on Saturday, March 23, 2025, was held in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, with funding from the Government of Canada through NovaSphere and the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia.
The forum brought together senators from across Liberia and their staffers to strengthen their understanding of climate change issues and explore ways to enhance environmental policies through legislative actions.
Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, delivering the closing remarks, welcomed the initiative and praised the EPA for creating a platform to educate lawmakers on climate issues. She emphasized the importance of legislative involvement in environmental protection, stressing that senators must be well-informed to shape laws that address Liberia’s climate challenges.
She said climate change is a critical issue affecting Liberia and the world and that legislative interventions must be based on knowledge and expertise. She noted that the forum provided valuable insights that will strengthen their work both at the committee level and in plenary.
She urged senators and staffers to take full advantage of the knowledge gained to improve climate-related laws and oversight responsibilities.
The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo commended the senators and their staffers for participating in the forum and underscored the importance of legislative support in advancing environmental policies.
He said the legislature plays a vital role in ensuring that Liberia adopts strong climate policies and that senators, as direct representatives of the people, have a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability.
He reaffirmed the EPA’s commitment to working closely with lawmakers to ensure that climate issues remain a national priority. He used the occasion to thank the Government of Canada and NovaSphere for their continued support in helping Liberia address environmental challenges.
He highlighted NovaSphere’s contributions, including the establishment of a Climate Change Lab at the University of Liberia’s main campus, which is serving as a hub for research and learning on climate issues.
A major topic discussed at the forum was the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty, also known as the BBNJ Treaty, which was adopted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The treaty is an international agreement designed to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national borders and establishes mechanisms for marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, capacity building, and the equitable sharing of marine genetic resources.
With over 64 percent of the global ocean lying beyond national jurisdiction, the BBNJ Treaty is considered a significant step in protecting marine ecosystems and strengthening international cooperation in ocean governance.
Liberia signed the BBNJ Treaty on September 24, 2024, marking a commitment to marine conservation and sustainable ocean governance.
During the forum, Joseph Charles, the BBNJ National Focal Point, and Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo provided an in-depth presentation on the treaty, discussing its global importance, its benefits for Liberia, and the next steps required for ratification.
Senators were also briefed on how the treaty aligns with Liberia’s national interests, particularly in securing equitable access to marine resources, enhancing scientific collaboration, and strengthening Liberia’s role in international environmental governance.
After the discussion, members of the Senate expressed strong support for the BBNJ Treaty’s ratification and provided recommendations to address gaps and challenges in the adoption process.
The EPA reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the legislature to ensure the treaty is ratified without delay. Senators also stressed the importance of continued dialogue and stakeholder engagement to ensure informed decision-making in the legislative process.
By ratifying the treaty, Liberia aims to strengthen its marine conservation efforts, promote sustainable ocean management, enhance its international standing in environmental governance, and secure long-term benefits for coastal communities and industries reliant on marine resources.
At the end of the training, all senators, staffers, and participants received certificates of participation in recognition of their engagement and commitment to advancing climate action.
The EPA and lawmakers have pledged to continue working together to implement policies that safeguard Liberia’s natural resources and protect future generations from the impacts of climate change.
