MANUWELLAH TOWN, Gbarpolu County – June 29, 2026 – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has successfully concluded a stakeholder consultation on the proposed Reduced Impact Logging Initiative under the Leh Go Green Project, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that development projects are implemented in an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible manner.
The consultation, held in Manuwellah Town, Koninga District, Gbarpolu County on Friday, June 26, 2026, formed part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process required before the EPA can determine whether to issue an environmental permit for the project.
It brought together eight affected communities, local authorities, traditional leaders, women and youth groups, government institutions, and representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), Civil Society Groups, Mines and Energy, Community Forest Management Body (CFMB), and the EPA to review the proposed initiative and provide feedback.
The proposed project is being implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) through the Leh Go Green Project, with funding from the European Union.
The initiative seeks to promote sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation while strengthening the livelihoods of communities living near Liberia’s globally important forest ecosystems.
The consultation followed the submission of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment report prepared by Royal Environmental, an EPA-certified environmental assessment firm. The report evaluates the potential environmental and social impacts of the proposed project and outlines measures to avoid, minimize, or manage those impacts.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the EPA, Hon. Dweh Siehwloh Boley, Deputy Executive Director for Technical Services, commended the communities for their active participation and constructive contributions throughout the consultation.
He reaffirmed the EPA’s commitment to ensuring that development projects balance economic growth with environmental protection through inclusive stakeholder engagement, scientific assessment, and compliance with Liberia’s environmental laws.
“The success of environmental projects depends on meaningful community participation,” Hon. Boley said. “Your voices are important in helping us make informed decisions that protect our forests while supporting sustainable development and improving livelihoods.”
Providing an overview of the consultation, EPA Director of Compliance and Enforcement, Mr. John K. Jallah Jr., explained that the public consultation is a legal requirement under Liberia’s environmental laws and forms an important part of the ESIA process.
He noted that while UNDP has applied for an environmental permit to implement the project, the EPA can only make an informed decision after considering the findings of the ESIA and the views of affected communities.
He emphasized that the consultation demonstrates the EPA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and public participation in environmental decision-making.
For his part, Assistant Director for Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Mr. Targen Daye, provided a detailed presentation on the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment process and explained its importance in ensuring that development projects are carried out responsibly.
He said the ESIA process is designed to identify the possible environmental and social impacts of a proposed project before implementation and to recommend measures that will prevent, reduce, or manage those impacts.
Mr. Daye emphasized that stakeholder consultation is one of the most important stages of the ESIA process because it gives affected communities and other interested groups the opportunity to understand the project, ask questions, raise concerns, and make recommendations.
He noted that the EPA values the views of local communities and considers their input an essential part of the decision-making process.
He further explained that all comments, concerns, and suggestions gathered during the consultation will be documented and reviewed as part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment report.
According to him, the EPA will carefully assess the findings before making any decision on the proposed project, ensuring that it complies with Liberia’s environmental laws, protects natural resources, and safeguards the interests and livelihoods of affected communities.
In separate remarks, the Town Chief Mr. John Robert, District Commissioner, and Statutory Superintendent welcomed the EPA delegation and development partners to the district.
They commended the Agency for ensuring that local communities are fully consulted before decisions are made on projects that may affect their environment and livelihoods. They encouraged residents to actively participate by sharing their views, concerns, and recommendations.
The project also aims to strengthen community capacity through technical training and practical demonstrations on sustainable forest management.
During the interactive plenary session, community members raised questions and concerns about the tools and methods that will be used, the implementation timeline, employment opportunities, community benefits, poor road conditions, youth empowerment, and long-term project sustainability. The project team responded to each concern and provided additional clarification.
The stakeholder consultation marks another important step in Liberia’s efforts to promote responsible natural resource management, strengthen climate resilience, and conserve the country’s globally significant forest ecosystems through partnerships between government, development partners, and local communities.
