Monrovia, Liberia – June 17, 2025: The Government of Liberia, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its Livelihood & Employment Programme, is advancing efforts to reduce poverty and inequality. By supporting initiatives that engage vulnerable households and communities in sustainable income-generating activities, this partnership aims to foster economic resilience and social empowerment.
Among these initiatives is the Eco-Brigade Youth Volunteer Program, a dual-purpose effort that promotes environmental conservation while creating livelihood opportunities for economically marginalized and unemployed youth. By combining environmental stewardship with income generation, the program seeks to uplift communities and encourage sustainable development.
In May 2025, 180 youth volunteers were recruited from three locations in Tubmanburg Bomi County, Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County, and Cestos City Rivercess County. A transparent, community-driven selection process ensured that each county contributed 60 volunteers, including individuals with disabilities.
The recruitment process was preceded by extensive community mobilization and stakeholder engagement, supported by public outreach through local radio stations in the participating counties. Awareness campaigns were conducted via radio talk shows, including Radio Bomi-ELRB in Tubmanburg City, Rivercess Broadcasting Service (RBS), and the Development Communication Network (DCN) in Cestos City.
Approximately 500 youth applied for the Eco-Brigade program, demonstrating widespread interest in grassroots environmental actions. The program provides training in environmental conservation and small business development, equipping participants with practical skills while engaging them in city clean-up efforts and sustainability projects. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, the selection process ensured equal representation across gender and ability.
Each county’s recruitment included 28 men, 28 women, and 4 persons with disabilities, affirming the program’s dedication to diversity.
Following their selection, participants formed teams named after local landmarks:
• Tubmanburg Eco-Brigade (Bomi County)
• Sao Boso Eco-Brigade (Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County)
• Cestos Eco-Brigade (Cestos, Rivercess County)
Local leaders have voiced strong support for the initiative. Mohamed A. Sheriff, Mayor of Tubmanburg, praised the program as a timely boost to ongoing environmental efforts, while Mayor Siah Victor-Keah of Bopolu City and Mayor Mark Molton of Cestos echoed similar sentiments, pledging their commitment to the training phase and advocating for continued logistical support.
With the establishment of the Tubmanburg, Sao Boso, and Cestos Eco-Brigades, Liberia is taking a decisive step in community-driven environmental conservation. The initiative’s emphasis on youth engagement, grassroots participation, and sustainable practices underscores its potential for long-term impact.
A total of 780 Eco-Brigade members have been recruited across 12 counties, with 60 volunteers enlisted per county. Montserrado County is an exception, with a total of 160 recruits—100 in Monrovia and 60 in Paynesville. Additionally, 40 volunteers were recruited in Kakata and 40 in Gbarnga, further expanding the program’s reach.
The program is implemented in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL), and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), whose representatives actively participated in the recruitment process.
