Paynesville, Sunday, June 8, 2025_Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia on Thursday, June 5, 2025, joined the rest of the world to celebrate the 52nd World Environment Day at the PaynesvilleCity Hall. This year’s global theme is “Ending Plastic Pollution,” while Liberia adopted a local theme: “Enhance the Three-Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.”
World Environment Day was established by a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. Since then, June 5 each year is observed as a day for governments and citizens across the world to focus attention on the importance of the environment and take actions that promote sustainability.
Speaking through a proclamation read by student Yonnah R. Juah, President Joseph N. Boakai said the observance of World Environment Day provides an opportunity to focus global attention on environmental issues and to empower people to take action for sustainable and equitable development.
The President emphasized the need for Liberians to take concrete steps toward ending plastic pollution within their communities. He noted that the responsibility lies with both the government and the citizens to find suitable ways to mitigate environmental pollution.
President Boakai called on all individuals living in Liberia to cooperate with the Environmental Protection Agency in executing the programs set aside for the celebration of the day.
Statistics from a recent World Bank and EPA report highlight the urgency of the matter. It indicates that each Liberian generates about 0.44 kg of waste per day. Altogether, 1.5 million kg of solid waste is produced across Liberia daily. Unfortunately, 84.4% of this waste is mismanaged, placing Liberia among the worst-ranked countries in Sub-Saharan Africa in terms of waste management.
Liberia has endorsed the United Nations global plastic treaty resolution at the Fifth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5), which commits member states to legally-binding actions to reduce plastic pollution. This move signifies the government’s recognition of the crisis and its intent to align with global efforts.
On October 17, 2024, Liberia validated its National Solid Waste Management Policy. The policy aligns with World Bank data and confirms that 64% of all solid waste in the country is illegally dumped. This reinforces the need for urgent action.
Liberia faces a serious problem with plastic pollution. Most of the plastic waste ends up in water bodies, farmlands, and marine ecosystems. However, there are growing initiatives by the EPA, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), local NGOs, and grassroots organizations. These groups are making meaningful progress in areas like waste recovery, recycling, and carbon emission reduction.
During the formal program marking the celebration, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the EPA, said World Environment Day is not just a time to celebrate but to reflect, strategize, and act in the interest of Liberia and its fragile environment.
Dr. Yarkpawolo reminded Liberians that the country is rich in natural resources, including vast rainforests, rivers, and biodiversity. He noted that Liberia is part of the Upper Guinean Forest, a globally significant ecological region that is home to species found nowhere else on Earth.
However, he warned that this natural wealth is under serious threat. He pointed out illegal mining, logging, water pollution, wetland destruction, unregulated settlement expansion, and irresponsible agricultural practices as activities that are destroying the country’s natural heritage.
“We are at a point where inaction is no longer an option,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said.
He added that while the EPA has made progress by implementing policies to combat sea erosion and raise awareness about climate change, much more needs to be done.
According to him, projects like coastal defense, community-based conservation, enforcement of environmental laws, and partnerships with both national and international groups have laid a good foundation. Yet, the journey is far from over.
Dr. Yarkpawolo called on the Liberian Government to take stronger actions. He urged that the EPA, Liberia National Police, and Forestry Development Authority be provided with adequate funding so they can deploy environmental officers and inspectors, especially in remote areas.
“These remote areas are where most illegal logging, mining, and poaching happen. As I speak, the Sapo National Park is under serious threat,” he said. “Without enough resources and trained personnel, we cannot enforce our environmental laws effectively. We need boots on the ground to protect our forests, rivers, and wildlife from exploitation.”
Dr. Yarkpawolo also stressed that protecting the environment is not the government’s job alone. He said everyone in Liberia, from schools and communities to businesses and civil society organizations, must get involved.
“Together, we can build a Liberia where future generations can thrive in harmony with nature. On this World Environment Day, let us commit to being stewards of our environment, advocates for change, and guardians of Liberia’s unique natural wealth. The time to act is now,” he concluded.
The keynote speaker of the day was Mr. Aliou Mamadou Dia, UNDP Resident Representative to Liberia, who delivered his address via Zoom from Senegal. He focused his message on the global theme of ending plastic pollution.
Mr. Dia emphasized the urgent need for action to end plastic pollution and encouraged Liberians to embrace the Three-Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. He said that the environmental crisis is not only a global issue but one that is affecting Liberia directly.
He pointed out the specific challenges Liberia faces due to plastic waste, including its harmful impact on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. He also explained how plastic pollution contributes to climate change.
Mr. Dia encouraged the use of reusable items, the reduction of single-use plastics, and proper disposal of waste. He also promoted sustainable practices like composting, reducing food waste, and using eco-friendly transport options.
He stressed the need for sound government policies and strong community-based efforts to tackle plastic pollution. He highlighted the importance of waste management systems and recycling programs in creating a cleaner Liberia.
During the program, Atty. Salimatu L. Gilayeneh, UNDP’s Energy and Environment Specialist, read the official World Environment Day message from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
“We need an ambitious, credible, and just agreement to end plastic pollution now,” the message stated.
Secretary-General Guterres said plastic pollution is harming the planet, affecting ecosystems, human health, and the climate. He said that plastic waste is everywhere, from the top of Mount Everest to the depths of the ocean, and even in human bodies.
He said there is hope, as more people are now aware and taking steps to reduce plastic use. Governments are also beginning to pass laws to limit single-use plastics and improve waste systems.
But he warned that the world needs to move faster. In August, countries will meet to finalize a new global treaty to end plastic pollution. He urged negotiators to work together and come up with a strong agreement that focuses on the entire life cycle of plastic, supports circular economies, meets the needs of communities, and aligns with global environmental goals.
“Let’s end the scourge of plastic pollution and build a better future for us all. Thank you,” his message concluded.
As the 2025 World Environment Day celebration ended, there was a strong call for every Liberian to rise to the challenge. The EPA, UNDP, and international and local partners thanked everyone who made the event a success.
Liberia, like many countries, stands at a turning point. With increased public awareness, strong policies, and community actions, there is hope that the country can win the fight against plastic pollution and protect its rich natural environment for generations to come.
