By P. Vangerlibe Kpotoe
MONROVIA, March 6 (LINA) –The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has initiated its 8th Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Licensure Training, gathering environmental evaluators, professionals from government ministries, agencies, commissions, and representatives of non-governmental organizations.
The training, themed “Promoting Environmental Sustainability and Social Equity in Development Projects, Programs, and Policies,” aims to bolster the capacity of independent evaluators and ensure adherence to environmental regulations.
In his keynote address, EPA Executive Director, Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo expressed gratitude to the participants and emphasized the importance of the training.
He pointed out that Part II, Section 10.2 of the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia (EPML) mandates the EPA to maintain a registry of qualified consultants authorized to conduct environmental and social impact studies.
He added that Section 10.3 further directs the agency to employ and train personnel necessary to ensure compliance with ESIA requirements.
Dr. Yarkpawolo mentioned that the EPA has conducted seven previous ESIA licensure trainings, resulting in the accreditation of 19 nationally recognized environmental consultancy firms responsible for preparing project-specific environmental reports.
He highlighted the significance of ESIA, explaining that the assessment process evaluates both the positive and negative impacts of development projects on the environment.
“These projects, including infrastructure development, road construction, and industrial activities, require careful examination to ensure that land, air, water, plants, animals, and human communities are not adversely affected,” he said.
The results of such assessments, according to Dr. Yarkpawolo, led to the formulation of an Environmental Management Plan, which focuses on mitigating negative impacts while enhancing positive outcomes.
He underscored that the core mission of the EPA is to promote sustainable development and social equity in Liberia.
