Monrovia – Green Advocates International, in collaboration with the World Resources Institute (WRI) and with funding from the U.S. Department of State, held a two-day Capacity-Building Training for Grassroots Environmental Defenders (GEDs) from January 16-17, 2025.
The event, hosted at a local resort in Sinkor, Monrovia, brought together participants from Montserrado, Bomi, Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, and Margibi counties. The training aimed to equip grassroots defenders with the knowledge and tools needed to advance environmental and human rights advocacy in their communities.
The initiative is part of the Standing Together with Environmental Defenders (STAND) program, which includes Liberia among six participating countries—alongside Guatemala, Brazil, Mexico, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and others. The project seeks to empower 75 grassroots defenders through capacity-building opportunities and small grants to enhance their advocacy efforts.
Empowering Grassroots Defenders
Peter Quaqua, Project Lead at Green Advocates International, welcomed participants, emphasizing the program’s mission to empower communities most affected by environmental and human rights violations.
“This project is about empowering grassroots defenders who live in vulnerable communities, face persecution, and are often displaced due to pollution and concessions,” Quaqua said. “Through training and resources, defenders can advocate for their rights and those of their communities.”
He added, “This training is designed to give you the tools and knowledge to access justice and amplify your voices. With these skills, defenders can raise awareness and drive change locally and nationally.”
EPA Pledges Support
Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), commended the defenders for their commitment and reaffirmed the EPA’s support for their efforts.
“The EPA has developed numerous regulatory instruments—covering air quality, wetlands, and water regulations—that require public education and awareness,” Yarkpawolo stated. “Many people are unaware of their environmental rights, and this ignorance is often used against them. Defenders play a crucial role in educating communities and enabling them to demand justice for their livelihoods and environment.”
Dr. Yarkpawolo urged collaboration, stating, “We recognize your work and stand with you. Together, we can ensure a healthier environment that benefits everyone.”
Expert-Led Sessions
Renowned legal and environmental experts facilitated sessions on key topics, including:
- Understanding Liberian Laws: Cllr. Tiawon Gongloe explored statutory and customary laws relevant to environmental defenders, focusing on land, water, agriculture, and mining regulations.
- Accessing Justice: Atty. Samwar S. Fallah provided insights into grievance mechanisms and the justice system, while Atty. Alfred Brownell discussed judicial and quasi-judicial complaint processes.
- Coalition Building: Participants learned the importance of networking and coordination for effective advocacy, with tools to drive change at both national and international levels.
A Call to Action
The training concluded with a call to action from Dr. Yarkpawolo, who quoted Nelson Mandela: “Millions remain in chains of poverty; it’s time to set them free.”
“Advocacy is an exercise in empathy,” Yarkpawolo said. “Through research, truth-telling, and sincerity, defenders can create transformative change, empowering communities to stand for their rights and protect the environment.”
Expanding the STAND Initiative
As part of the STAND program, Green Advocates International plans to extend these capacity-building trainings to all 15 counties in Liberia. Additionally, the initiative will provide small grants to grassroots organizations, further strengthening local advocacy efforts.
