DKNN– MONROVIA – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, in collaboration with Conservation International (CI) Liberia, has officially launched the country’s first National Mangrove Inventory marking a significant milestone in efforts to protect vital coastal and marine ecosystems under the Blue Ocean Program.
Held on Tuesday, October 28, in Monrovia, the event was hailed as a major step toward improving environmental governance and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Valentine Ebua, CI’s Managing Director for West and Central Africa, underscored the importance of the initiative and urged policymakers to act on its findings, including establishing mangrove-protected zones.
Speaking on behalf of the Swedish Embassy, Madam Kerstin Jousson Cisse applauded Liberia’s progress and reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to supporting the nation’s environmental and development goals. She praised Liberian scientists, particularly those at the University of Liberia, for their leadership in advancing coastal research.
“We are proud to see Liberian ownership of this important initiative,” Madam Cisse stated.
EPA Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel King Urey Yarkpawolo, emphasized that mangrove conservation is a key pillar of Liberia’s Blue Economy Vision, which aims to enhance fisheries, tourism, renewable energy, and coastal protection.
“Healthy mangroves create jobs, ensure food security, and act as natural barriers against flooding and sea-level rise,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said. He noted that robust mangrove systems are also vital for building a credible carbon market that benefits coastal communities.
Dr. Yarkpawolo revealed that Liberia has developed a US$3.2 million national framework for mangrove restoration and protection covering community participation, law enforcement, research, and the creation of a national mangrove park. He called on development partners, including the EU, Sweden, the World Bank, and UNDP, to support swift implementation.
He commended Sweden’s continued partnership and thanked Conservation International for its technical leadership, describing the project as “a call to action for a resilient and sustainable coastal future.”
The EPA head also lauded President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s commitment to environmental protection, citing Executive Order No. 143 (2024), which declared Liberia’s wetlands national heritage sites. The National Wetlands Task Force, he noted, is already working to map boundaries, identify threats, and engage communities in restoration efforts.
Officials say the new mangrove inventory will generate critical data on mangrove extent, health, and carbon storage key tools for climate action, biodiversity protection, and sustainable investment planning.
With this milestone, Liberia strengthens its capacity to build climate resilience, protect coastal livelihoods, and advance opportunities within the Blue Economy sector.
“With science, collaboration, and sustained investment,” Dr. Yarkpawolo concluded, “Liberia can emerge as a regional leader in sustainable ocean and coastal management.”
