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By: Richard Williams/0775339618/ 0881084573/richardwilliamsp30@gmail.com
Tubmanburg, Bomi–A one-day consultative meeting conducted by Liberia’s National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brought together stakeholders to discuss the country’s evolving carbon policy and related legal framework.
The gathering aimed to solicit diverse viewpoints in support of Liberia’s national carbon policy and its development into formal law.
NCCS Coordinator Elijah Whapoe said the process has moved from an initial carbon policy draft to a national carbon dialogue and now to nationwide consultative sessions intended to shape ownership of carbon resources, particularly in relation to the Land Rights Act and the design of the institutional framework.
“This initiative when concluded will be the first-ever Carbon Trading Policy and Climate Change Law, a framework that will protect forests, underpin sustainable development, and establish the country as a credible participant in global climate finance”. Mr. Whapoe noted.
Giving background of the initiative Mr. Elijah Whapoe noted that President Joseph Boakai chairs the National Climate Change Steering Committee (NCCSC), which oversees the project, while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was charged by the NCCSC in July 2024 with creating a national carbon trading plan.
He said the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) is providing technical guidance on forest management to make sure that any trading structure is in line with Liberia’s objectives for forest conservation.
According to Whapoe, the goal of the policy is to establish transparent norms for carbon markets, promote sustainable land management, and mobilize climate finance to support development initiatives while protecting Liberia’s forests.
Participants engaged in discussions on the carbon policy and laws, the mechanisms of carbon trading, and the potential benefits of carbon for communities, especially regarding land rights.
The meeting also sought input on how carbon credits could be shared with communities under the provisions of the 2018 Land Rights Act.
Whapoe noted that the initiative has attracted substantial international support, with the United Kingdom government and its Liberian partners providing significant funding, alongside assistance from various other organizations.
“This support underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in building a robust policy and regulatory environment for carbon management in Liberia”.
Attendees included representatives from civil society, local government officials including the superintendent and city mayor’s offices, media representatives, land administrators, a delegate from the FDA, and community members.
Abraham Combay, Administrative Assistant to the Office of the City Mayor, expressed gratitude to the government and the EPA climate change secretariat for organizing the nationwide consultation.
He also highlighted the severe impacts of climate change and voiced optimism that collective mitigation and adaptation efforts can yield meaningful progress.
As Liberia advances its carbon policy framework, organizers emphasized transparent stakeholder participation and clear mechanisms for community benefits, particularly in the context of land rights and local governance.
