By: Keith Morrison |Staff Writer
(Monrovia, Liberia, February 24, 2025) – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has appointed Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as the chair of a newly formed Taskforce dedicated to safeguarding Liberia’s beachfronts, waterways, and wetlands. This initiative is a part of Executive Order No. 143, which aims to combat environmental degradation and enhance conservation efforts across the nation.
In a statement released from the Executive Mansion on February 24, 2025, President Boakai emphasized that the taskforce was established to address increasing concerns regarding pollution, erosion, and climate change that jeopardize Liberia’s coastal and wetland ecosystems.
He stated, “The unchecked destruction and pollution of wetlands, waterways, and beachfronts pose serious risks to both the environment and the livelihoods of Liberians.”
The Taskforce, under Dr. Yarkpawolo’s leadership, will collaborate closely with various government agencies to enforce environmental regulations and protect the country’s natural resources. The Chairman of the Liberia Land Authority will serve as co-chair, with additional members including the Ministers of Justice, Internal Affairs, Public Works, Mines and Energy, as well as Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism. The Liberia National Police and local municipal authorities will also be integral to enforcement efforts.
The Executive Mansion release highlighted the key responsibilities of the Taskforce, which include halting illegal destruction and backfilling of wetlands, restoring damaged areas, supporting local conservation initiatives, and ensuring accountability for violators through legal means.
Additionally, the Taskforce aims to raise public awareness regarding the environmental and economic benefits of preserving these ecosystems and to discourage the use of harmful, non-eco-friendly pesticides.
Liberia has been committed to wetland conservation since signing the Ramsar Convention in 2003, and Executive Order No. 143 bolsters these efforts by enhancing enforcement and promoting cooperation among government agencies. The Taskforce will work in conjunction with the National Climate Change Steering Committee to adopt a comprehensive approach to environmental protection.
President Boakai has mandated immediate execution of the order and urges all citizens, businesses, and local communities to support this initiative. “Protecting Liberia’s natural heritage is vital for the country’s long-term development and sustainability,” the Executive Mansion affirmed.
With Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo leading the Taskforce, there are high expectations for stronger environmental protections, ensuring that Liberia’s beaches, waterways, and wetlands are preserved for future generations.
Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief
