Monrovia, Liberia – July 11, 2025: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has trained at least 40 Liberian journalists specialized in environmental reporting and including some members of its Communication Unit.
It follows successful completion of a two-day intensive reporting. The capacity-building event, held from June 26–27, 2025, at the St. Theresa Convent Conference Hall in Monrovia, focused on enhancing the skills of media professionals in environmental journalism and communication.
the training which was held under the theme “Empowering Voices of Environmental Journalists for Sustainable Environmental Reporting,” was also intended to deepen the minds of journalist on how to report on environmental issues. The workshop brought together reporters from leading media institutions alongside EPA communication staff.
As it was Facilitated by a team of seasoned journalists, environmental experts, and legal practitioners, the training offered participants insights into the functions of the EPA, scientific accuracy in reporting, ethical storytelling, multimedia techniques, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism, and the principles of solutions-oriented journalism.
Notable facilitators included Atty. Daffae Senkpeni, Lennart Dodoo, Titus Tokpah of MediaAid, Garmondeh Wremongar, Blojay Joe II, Timothy R. Yoko, and Jefferson Massah, among others. Their combined expertise helped participants explore not only environmental subject matter but also how to responsibly engage new media technologies in their work.
At the close of the training, participants were awarded certificates of participation during a certification ceremony held on July 10, 2025. Speaking at the event, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo commended the journalists for their dedication and collaboration. He underscored the importance of ethical environmental journalism in tackling the nation’s climate and ecological challenges.
Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo also touched on the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence in the newsroom. He emphasized that while AI presents valuable tools for media practitioners, it should enhance—not replace—journalistic integrity and human judgment.
“We appreciate your time and professionalism,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said. “Let AI support your work, but never let it replace the values and critical thinking that define true journalism.”
Earlier, EPA Director of Administration George M. Kawah, speaking on behalf of the Executive Director, hailed the facilitators, participants, and the EPA Communication Department, led by Mrs. Danese Love Dennis-Dodoo, for their commitment to environmental awareness and education.
Participants took to social media to express gratitude. Blamo N. Toe of The Liberian Investigator wrote, “It was a rewarding experience, and we gained a lot.” Journalist Barclay Wolo Sr. added, “I achieved great knowledge in environmental reporting.”
The EPA emphasized that the training is part of its broader initiative to empower media professionals to inform the public, promote sustainability, and hold institutions accountable on issues concerning climate change and environmental governance.
