—Lunches T-Burg Eco-Brigade Program in Bomi County
Tubmanburg, Bomi County – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Liberia’s youth in environmental protection and economic empowerment through the Youth Eco-Brigade program.
Speaking at the official launch of the initiative in Tubmanburg, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Louis Kuukpen congratulated newly recruited Eco-Brigade members for their resilience and dedication during the selection process. He described their role as more than volunteering, calling it a demonstration of leadership and community service aimed at keeping neighborhoods safe, clean, and environmentally friendly.
Mr. Kuukpen emphasized that the program is transformative, targeting vulnerable youth, women, and persons with disabilities by providing them with opportunities for environmental preservation and sustainable livelihoods. Participants will receive business training and start-up grants to establish income-generating ventures.
Drawing from success stories in Zwedru, Voinjama, Buchanan, and Robert Sport, he noted how previous Eco-Brigade members turned small financial support into thriving businesses, some even engaging in cross-border trade. He encouraged the Tubmanburg recruits to use the resources wisely to improve their lives and inspire others.
“Liberia’s youthful population represents both a challenge and an opportunity,” Kuukpen stated. “This program not only addresses unemployment but also promotes eco-friendly livelihoods, urban forest management, and sustainable waste practices. It is about building a clean, green, and healthy Tubmanburg.”
The UNDP Deputy Resident Rep, called on the Government of Liberia and local authorities to take ownership of the program, scale it up nationwide, and include it in national development and youth employment strategies. He also urged the allocation of dedicated funding through the county development fund and the national budget to sustain the initiative across all 15 counties.
Kuukpen stressed that while UNDP will continue providing catalytic support, the program’s long-term success depends on national leadership, local government involvement, and the active engagement of the youth.
“Together, we can nurture a generation of environmentally conscious entrepreneurs and community leaders,” he said, expressing gratitude to all partners and stakeholders who have championed the initiative over the years.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of the EPA, Anthony Kollie hailed the launch of the Youth Eco-Brigade Program as a vital step in addressing Liberia’s environmental challenges while empowering young people to shape sustainable futures.
Mr. Kollie said the initiative, launched in partnership with the Government of Liberia and the UNDP, links environmental stewardship with socio-economic empowerment. The program equips youth, women, and persons with disabilities with business training, toolkits, and start-up grants, creating opportunities for green growth and poverty reduction.
“This program is not just about immediate benefits but about long-term change,” the EPA official said. “By training participants in environmental protection across seven counties, we are nurturing a new generation of leaders dedicated to preserving Liberia’s environment.”
The Youth Eco-Brigade will provide participants with skills in environmental management and entrepreneurship, ensuring they can both protect their communities and create sustainable livelihoods. Backed by international partners including Denmark, Luxembourg, Norway, Korea, Sweden, and Switzerland, the initiative seeks to transform environmental health into a driver of economic prosperity.
The EPA called on participants to make the most of the opportunity, urging them to embrace training, collaborate with peers, and innovate with the resources provided. “Are you ready to take the lead in this journey toward a sustainable future?” the official asked, encouraging young people to step forward as agents of change.
The Eco-Brigade is part of Liberia’s broader effort to promote youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and inclusive growth, while fostering a culture of responsibility and resilience in communities nationwide.
