By P. Vangerline Kpotoe
MONROVIA, June 28 (LINA) – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has kicked-off the United Nation Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) reporting process to strengthen the fight against land degradation in the country amidst global warming.
EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo said the exercise goes beyond UNCCD obligations. “This is Liberia’s chance to assess our land, fix data gaps, improve coordination, and show real commitment to fighting land degradation, drought and desertification,” he stated.
Speaking at the launch of a three-day Inception and Technical Training Workshop to begin Liberia’s 2026 National Report under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, UNCCD. Held at the University of Liberia Climate Action Lab, the EPA head noted that Liberia ratified UNCCD in 1998 and must submit periodic reports on measures taken.
The workshop brings together government agencies, development partners, academicians, CSOs, media, women and youth groups to build capacity for the report and strengthen coordination on sustainable land management.
Though desertification is limited here, Dr. Yarkpawolo said, land degradation is now one of Liberia’s biggest environmental threats — hurting agriculture, forests, water, biodiversity, infrastructure and livelihoods.
“When land degrades, farms fail, forests disappear, water weakens, and communities face more climate shocks. This is a national development issue, not just an environmental one,” he stressed.
Dr. Yarkpawolo called on the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), Forestry Development Authority (FDA), Ministry of Agriculture( MOA), Ministry of Mines & Energy (MME) as well as the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Private sector and media to provide quality data and close information gaps.
He also urged inclusion of women, youth, farmers and rural communities so their voices should shape solutions.
He raised alarm over excavators and dredges in small-scale mining, calling them major drivers of land damage and water pollution. He urged the government to regulate import, use and movement of the machines, and use GPS tracking to curb illegal mining. EPA is already in talks with Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire on a trilateral plan to fight illegal mining and restore degraded land.
Assistant Foreign Minister Daniel Koikoi reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to UNCCD and said the report will boost environmental diplomacy and attract climate finance.
FDA’s John McKay Jr. warned that forest loss and illegal mining are degrading Liberia’s resources fast. “Reporting should guide action, not just fill forms,” he said.
PUL President Julius Kanubah thanked EPA for including the media, saying journalists must help educate the public on environmental hotspots.
The UNCCD National Focal Point Berexford S. Jallah said the workshop will end with a roadmap outlining roles, data plans, validation steps and timelines for submitting Liberia’s 2026.
According to him, the training aims to equip institutions with the skills and tools needed to prepare the 2026 National Report based on UNCCD guidelines.
Participants will get practical sessions on the PRAIS4 reporting system, Land Degradation Neutrality indicators, drought assessment, data validation, and coordination between agencies. The goal is a report that is scientifically accurate and fully owned by Liberia.
Mr. Jallah also gave a brief background on UNCCD, noting it was adopted in 1994 after the Rio Earth Summit as the only binding global treaty focused on desertification, land degradation, and drought. He reminded participants that Liberia ratified it in 1998 and has stayed committed to reporting and promoting sustainable land use and restoration.