Conservation International Liberia (CI-Liberia) and its partners concluded a two-day Joint Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting at the Buchanan Hotel in Grand Bassa County.
The gathering which was held from August 13–14, 2025 brought together representatives of government agencies, conservation experts, and international partners to review progress, align priorities, and approve strategic actions for fiscal year 2026.
Delivering his opening remarks, the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency and Chair of the PSC described the Natural Capital Accounting project being implemented by CI-Liberia “as a groundbreaking approach that places value on the country’s ecosystems.” Stressing that the approach allows the government to integrate nature into economic decision-making processes.
Dr. Yarkpawolo also highlighted the importance of the CI-Liberia interventions in mangrove protection under the Blue Oceans Programme, calling it “very timely” as the country is at the final stages of developing its carbon market policy.
In closing remarks Dr. Yarkpawolo called on CI-Liberia and other development partners to develop the Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) alignment documents that will highlight projects activities and associated cost.
For his part Mr. Roger Emmou, CI Program Delivery Director for West and Central Africa, thanked the partners for their commitment shown to conserving Liberia rich biodiversity.
“CI is the first conservation organization to put people at the center of its work, that’s why this partnership is very important to our work in Liberia.” Siad Mr. Emmou.
Key decisions from the meeting included:
-
Validation of CI-Liberia’s first quarter FY2026 work plan.
-
Approval of the FY2026 budget to fund targeted, on-the-ground conservation activities.
-
Strengthening collaboration among agencies and partners to boost efficiency and results.
The Joint PSC which comprise of members from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Forestry Development Authority (FDA), Cooperative Development Agency (CDA), Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), Liberia Land Authority (LLA), Liberia Institute for Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS), the National Fishery and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) serves as a central decision-making body for CI-Liberia’s projects, ensuring conservation strategies are effective, inclusive, and sustainable.
The stakeholders left the Buchanan meeting feeling confident that the approved plan and budget will accelerate progress toward protecting Liberia’s biodiversity while supporting the livelihoods of its people.
