Wetland Taskforce Takes Action Against Environmental Degradation in Liberia

The Wetland Taskforce, established by Executive Order 143, held its first meeting to address wetland degradation in Liberia. Chaired by Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, the meeting highlighted critical issues such as urban expansion and pollution. Immediate and long-term strategies, including a Technical Working Group and public awareness campaigns, were developed to protect Liberia’s vital wetlands.

The newly formed Wetland Taskforce, established under Executive Order 143, convened for its inaugural meeting at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) headquarters in Monrovia, Liberia, on March 6, 2025. Key government officials, including EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Justice Minister N. Oswald Tweh, and Monrovia’s Mayor John Cheruk Siafa, participated in this crucial meeting to address the critical issue of wetland degradation across the country.

Chaired by Dr. Yarkpawolo, the meeting addressed the escalating crisis of wetland degradation in Liberia, primarily due to urbanization, rising sea levels, and pollution. A World Bank report highlighted the potential impact of inaction, predicting that over 600,000 people could face severe flooding by 2030, along with the loss of 9,600 hectares of land. Participants emphasized the dire environmental and social repercussions, such as biodiversity loss and increased flooding risk due to obstruction in drainage systems.

The Taskforce recognized several challenges, including rapid urban migration, limited housing solutions, weak law enforcement, and poor inter-agency collaboration. To confront these issues, the members outlined immediate, medium, and long-term actions aimed at mitigating the effects of wetland encroachment.

As an immediate action, the Taskforce plans to establish a Technical Working Group by March 7, 2025, comprising two representatives from each member institution, ensuring gender diversity. This group will focus on developing actionable proposals and strategies to support the Taskforce Steering Committee. Concurrently, a public awareness campaign will launch, engaging media, community leaders, mobile network firms, and environmental organizations.

For medium and long-term strategies, the Taskforce aims to enhance legal enforcement frameworks and collaborate with municipalities to safeguard wetlands. Furthermore, it has plans to initiate necessary demolitions in critical ecosystems, create a public dashboard for transparency, integrate scientific research in conservation efforts, and actively include beachfront property owners in protective measures.

The Wetland Taskforce is dedicated to executing Executive Order 143, prioritizing immediate actions and collaborative strategies to combat the degradation of Liberia’s wetlands. The emphasis on public awareness, legal enforcement, and community involvement signifies a proactive approach to safeguarding the crucial environmental resources that support sustainable development and public safety.

Original Source: gnnliberia.com