Monrovia, Liberia – In order to combat plastic pollution throughout Liberia, Kardiatu A. Sheriff, the founder and president of Golden Waste Solutions Enterprise Inc., has emphasized the necessity for more funding for grassroots environmental organizations.
Ms. Sheriff asserted that the circular economy, which she believes would not only help Liberia achieve a clean and green environment but also create job opportunities for young people, is essential if they are to eradicate plastic pollution in the country. If not addressed through a concerted effort, plastic pollution poses a severe threat to the environment and could affect Liberia in the future, she added.
The Partnership for Environmental Actions on Climate Change and Ecosystem Protection (PEACCEP Liberia), in partnership with the Eco Climate Initiative and the Liberian Youth and Civil Society Environmental Secretariat (LYCES), hosted a webinar meeting where Madam Sheriff participated as one of the panelists.
The occasion was conducted in honor of World Environment Day, the most important environmental holiday celebrated globally. Since 1973, it has been organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and celebrated by millions of people all over the world. It has become the largest global forum for environmental awareness.
This year’s global theme for World Environment Day 2023 was “Solutions to Plastic Pollution” while the theme for the webinar was From Pollution to Solutions: Forging Stronger Partnerships.”
In order to ensure that every citizen is aware of the threat that plastic pollution poses to the life of the environment, she added that as Liberia looks forward to ceasing the use of plastic, the national policy approach must be directed by the necessary authorities.
“I would advise policy makers to make sure that policy reforms are apportioned and directed for the full adoption of the circular economy when we have to think about policy approach.”
She asserted that by emphasizing reuse, reduction, and recycling, policy changes have the ability to revers the trend. However, these changes must be made in conjunction with a comprehensive policy approach and other initiatives, such as extensive education or awareness campaigns.
She added that speaking at events like these shouldn’t be the only form of collaboration for partnership; financial institutions should start providing support to recent immigrants who are enthusiastic about this industry so they can receive training and be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
The young environmentalist added that because plastic pollution is a problem that affects all sectors and is widespread, it is necessary to replicate it and increasing the relationship between the public and commercial sectors is also crucial.
Côte d’Ivoire hosted this year’s World Environment Day 2023 and the Netherlands provided support. Under the hashtag #BeatPlasticPollution, the theme focuses on plastic pollution remedies. It serves as a reminder that what individuals do to reduce plastic pollution matters. The result of this action is the actions that corporations and governments are doing to combat plastic pollution.
The webinar sought to gather expert opinions on what solutions can be found for plastic pollution, particularly in Liberia and the rest of the world, as well to forge stronger partnerships to combat plastic pollution in Liberia and around the world, according to Arthur R.M. Becker, head of PEACCEP-Liberia. This was due to the importance attached to finding effective and concerted solutions to plastic pollution.
However, the webinar included more than 40 environmental and climate change specialists, climate justice activists, health professionals, students, young people, CSOs, the media, business owners, members of the private sector, and women, and others.
Reported by: Simeon S. Wiakanty
Contact: +231881538878
