MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has launched the 8th Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Licensure Training, bringing together environmental professionals, government agencies, and civil society groups to improve environmental governance. The training, held at the Corina Hotel and Conference Center, aims to enhance the quality of environmental assessments in the country.
Addressing participants on Monday, March 3, 2025, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo stressed the importance of conducting thorough environmental and social impact assessments to safeguard Liberia’s natural resources. He noted that the EPA is legally responsible for ensuring that development projects comply with environmental regulations and that professionals conducting assessments must be properly trained and accredited.
Dr. Yarkpawolo pointed out that without specialized training, many developers lack the technical capacity to carry out effective environmental assessments. He emphasized that the training aims to fill that gap by equipping participants with the necessary knowledge to evaluate potential environmental risks and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
The EPA has already accredited 19 Environmental Consultancy Firms, and Dr. Yarkpawolo highlighted the agency’s commitment to expanding training opportunities to ensure that environmental reviews are conducted with professionalism and scientific accuracy. He urged participants to maintain high ethical standards and provide objective, data-driven recommendations that guide the agency’s decisions on environmental permits and project approvals.
During the training, the EPA is also focusing on strengthening the Union of Certified Environmental Professionals of Liberia (UCEL), which represents accredited environmental experts. Dr. Yarkpawolo reiterated the agency’s support for UCEL, emphasizing the need to empower Liberian-owned firms and ensure they are competitive in both national and international markets.
As part of the government’s Liberianization policy, Dr. Yarkpawolo explained that developers seeking environmental permits must work with one of the accredited firms. He expressed optimism that the training would improve the technical capacity of environmental professionals and standardize the reporting process for environmental and social impact assessments.
The opening ceremony was attended by EPA Deputy Executive Director Dweh S. Boley, members of UCEL, and representatives from government and civil society.
