BUCHANAN, GRAND BASSA COUNTY – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, in collaboration with its development partners, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, launched the first round of regional consultations for the formulation of Liberia’s third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement.
Held in Buchanan, the one-day consultative workshop gathered a cross-section of stakeholders, including government officials, international partners, civil society groups, youth and women leaders, traditional authorities, and representatives of persons living with disabilities. The event marked a major step in defining Liberia’s next phase of climate action as it seeks to align environmental goals with national development strategies.
Speaking on behalf of the EPA, Arthur R.M. Becker, Director of the Department of Multilateral Environmental Agreements, described the meeting as a milestone in Liberia’s response to climate change. He underscored that the NDC process is not merely a fulfillment of global obligations, but a vital national strategy to build resilience, protect ecosystems, and support inclusive economic transformation.
Becker warned that Liberia is already grappling with the consequences of climate change, including shifting weather patterns, rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and threats to food security. Yet, he noted, the climate challenge also presents opportunities for green innovation, low-emissions growth, and sustainable development.
Since its official launch in March 2025, the NDC 3.0 process has been driven by the principles of ambition, inclusion, and transparency. The regional consultations are intended to ensure that Liberia’s updated climate commitments reflect the real needs of its citizens, particularly those on the frontlines of environmental degradation.
The Buchanan meeting featured expert-led sessions on topics such as land and children’s rights, county development, freshwater ecosystems, and localized adaptation strategies. Facilitators included senior officials and professionals from the EPA, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Society for Conservation of Nature in Liberia, and the University of Liberia.
Mr. Becker acknowledged the technical and financial support provided by institutions such as the UNDP, NDC Partnership, UNICEF, UN Women, ActionAid, and Medica Liberia. He also commended the broad collaboration across government ministries, academic institutions, civil society, the private sector, and the media, which he said will ensure that NDC 3.0 is not just a policy document, but a practical guide to climate resilience and national development.
The regional consultations aim to identify sector-specific and region-specific priorities that will shape the updated NDC in line with Liberia’s global commitments and the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
