As Liberia’s National Carbon Policy approaches its conclusion
Monrovia, Liberia – As Liberia works to complete its National Carbon Policy, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has urged extensive and ongoing stakeholder involvement. He stressed that the country’s environmental stewardship and climate governance are at a turning point with the approval of the program.
During the opening remarks of the two-day National Carbon Policy Technical Validation Workshop, which took place in Monrovia from October 29 to 30, 2025, Dr. Yarkpawolo challenged the government, civil society, and business sector participants to approach the process with seriousness and cooperation. The National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCSC), in collaboration with national and international stakeholders, hosted the workshop with the goal of evaluating and validating Liberia’s draft National Carbon Policy.
The approval, according to Dr. Yarkpawolo, is an essential step in safeguarding Liberia’s environmental future because the policy would act as a dynamic framework for national carbon governance. He stated that “this policy must not be left on paper. It should direct our combined efforts to manage carbon resources, promote openness, and guarantee that all Liberians benefit.”
Through measures for carbon finance, emission reduction, and sustainable forest management, he emphasized that the strategy will establish Liberia as a responsible global actor in climate action. Dr. Yarkpawolo again stressed that national ownership and shared commitment are essential to the policy’s success.
During the session, professionals and policymakers facilitated group discussions and technical presentations. The policy was developed through an inclusive and participatory approach that ensured alignment with both national priorities and international norms, as explained by NCCSC Coordinator Mr. Z. Elijah Whapoe.
Through interactive workshops led by Mr. Tinatua Calvin Kollie, participants were encouraged to contribute their thoughts and suggestions.
In her presentation on Liberia’s REDD+ Strategy, Cllr. Yanquoi Dolo concentrated on the institutional and legislative frameworks for carbon trading and forest protection.
Mr. Darlington Tuagben and Cllr. Urias Goll further contributed by guiding participants through the most recent policy draft and spoke about the lessons learned from national carbon talks.
Policy definitions, financing arrangements, ownership and benefit-sharing, and dispute resolution procedures were among the main topics of discussion. Participants expressed confident that the validation will result in a robust, legally binding framework for carbon governance that strikes a balance between community socioeconomic benefits and environmental preservation.
The session ended with a unanimous pledge from all participants to complete and execute the National Carbon Policy, putting Liberia on a course toward climate resilience and sustainable development.
