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<p>Press Statement</p>
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<p>EPA Demolishes Illegal Structures to Reclaim Wetlands in Margibi County</p>
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<p>Margibi Coun ty, Liberia – October 23, 2025 – The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA), through the National Wetlands Taskforce, on Thursday demolished dozens of illegally constructed structures within the Marshall Wetland along the Roberts International Airport highway in Schefflin Township, Margibi County. The action is part of a sustained nationwide enforcement effort to reclaim and restore protected wetlands degraded by illegal land sales, backfilling, dumping, and unapproved construction.</p>
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<p>Wetlands are among Liberia’s most valuable ecosystems—providing natural flood control, water purification, and critical breeding habitats for fish and other aquatic life. Continued encroachment threatens these vital services, exposing communities to increased flooding, pollution, and the loss of biodiversity and livelihoods.</p>
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<p>The day’s demolition was a clear warning to individuals and land dealers who persist in selling, purchasing, or constructing on wetlands despite repeated public advisories. Such actions are environmental crimes and will be met with firm enforcement under the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia.</p>
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<p>The EPA, through the National Wetlands Taskforce, will continue to profile offenders and turn cases over to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution. In parallel, the Agency is strengthening collaboration with communities, civil society, and international partners to advance sustainable wetland management, including targeted conservation and restoration programs.</p>
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<p>As part of its long-term plan, the EPA will train local residents as frontline conservation stewards to monitor, protect, and restore wetlands within their communities—empowering citizens to safeguard their environment and support climate resilience.</p>
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<p>The EPA urges all Liberians to refrain from purchasing or constructing in wetlands and to promptly report illegal land sales or development activities to the nearest EPA office.</p>
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<p>Protecting wetlands means protecting lives, livelihoods, and the future of our environment.</p>
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<p>For Media inquiries, please contact:<br>EPA Media and Corporate Communications<br>Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia<br>Email: info@epa.gov.lr</p>
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<p>Signed:<br>Danise Love Dennis-Dodoo (Mrs.)<br>Head of Media and Corporate Communications<br>Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA)</p>
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