(Monrovia, Liberia – March 6, 2025) – The newly established Wetland Taskforce, mandated by Executive Order 143 to curb the encroachment on Liberia’s beachfronts, waterways, and wetlands, held its first meeting at Monrovia’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) headquarters. The meeting brought together key government officials, including EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Minister of Justice N. Oswald Tweh, Monrovia City Mayor John Cheruk Siafa, Paynesville City Mayor Robert S. Bestman, and Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy Fahnseth B. Mulbah and key EPA staff including EPA Executive Director Mr. Dweh S. Borley.
Chaired by Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo, the meeting focused on Liberia’s escalating wetland degradation crisis, driven by urban expansion, sea-level rise, and pollution. Discussions highlighted alarming projections, including a World Bank report estimating that by 2030, over 600,000 people and 9,600 hectares of land will be at risk of severe flooding if urgent action is not taken. Participants emphasized the environmental and social consequences of wetland degradation, including biodiversity loss, clogged drainage systems, and increased flood risks.
The Taskforce identified key challenges, such as rapid urban migration, limited housing options, weak law enforcement, and the lack of coordination among government agencies. In response, members agreed on a set of immediate, medium, and long-term actions to address these concerns.
As an immediate step, a Technical Working Group will be formed by March 7, 2025, with two representatives from each participating institution, ensuring gender representation. This group will develop practical proposals and engagement strategies to support the Taskforce Steering Committee. Additionally, an extensive public awareness campaign will commence, involving media, community leaders, mobile network companies, and environmental organizations.
Medium and long-term strategies include strengthening legal enforcement, collaborating with municipalities to protect wetlands. The Taskforce also plans to initiate demolitions in critical ecosystems, create a public dashboard to enhance transparency and engagement, integrate scientific research to support wetland conservation efforts, and involve beachfront property owners in protection initiatives.
The Wetland Taskforce reaffirmed its commitment to implementing Executive Order 143 with urgency, ensuring that Liberia’s vital wetlands are preserved for environmental sustainability and public safety.
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