Monrovia- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has commenced its 8th Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Licensure Training in Monrovia.
The training brings together environmental evaluators, professionals from government ministries, agencies, commissions, and representatives of non-governmental organizations, and held under the theme: Promoting Environmental Sustainability and Social Equity in Development Projects, Programs, and Policies.
Monrovia– The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has commenced its 8th Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Licensure Training in Monrovia.
The training brings together environmental evaluators, professionals from government ministries, agencies, commissions, and representatives of non-governmental organizations, and held under the theme: Promoting Environmental Sustainability and Social Equity in Development Projects, Programs, and Policies.
It aims to strengthen the capacity of independent evaluators and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo in his keynote address expressed appreciation to the participants and highlighted the significance of the training.
According to him, 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 instructs the agency to employ and train personnel necessary to ensure compliance with ESIA requirements.
Dr. Yarkpawolo said the EPA has conducted seven previous ESIA licensure trainings, which have resulted in the accreditation of 19 nationally recognized environmental consultancy firms responsible for preparing project-specific environmental reports.
Explaining the importance of ESIA, he stressed 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, he disclosed require careful examination to ensure that land, air, water, plants, animals, and human communities are not adversely affected.
The results of such assessments, according to Dr. Yarkpawolo, lead 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 sustainability by ensuring that present-day resource utilization does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Dr. Yarkpawolo reminded the participants that they serve as extensions of the EPA, emphasizing that the ESIA process is both scientific and complex. He said without proper training, developers would struggle to conduct these assessments. He encouraged participants to produce quality ESIA reports, develop SMART Environmental Management Plans, ensure proper implementation, and report accurately to the EPA.
He highlighted that integrity, transparency, and accountability are crucial in their work, as project developers rely on them for proper guidance, while the EPA depends on their data for informed decision-making.
He recognized the role of the Union of Certified Environmental Professionals of Liberia, and pledged EPA’s commitment to fostering a strong working relationship with the union.
He also encouraged UCEL to hold its members accountable to high professional standards, expressing the hope that Liberian environmental professionals would expand their expertise beyond national borders.
The EPA’s Executive Director assured UCEL of the EPA’s determination to support their work under the government’s Liberianization policy, which seeks to empower Liberian-owned businesses.
He noted that when developers apply for an Environmental Permit, the EPA directs them to choose from the 19 accredited firms without favoring any specific one, adding that the approach fosters a competitive process in which firms with a record of quality work are more likely to be recommended for future projects.
Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized that the training aims to establish a uniform reporting format and enhance the capacity of all independent consultancy firms and environmental professionals. He reaffirmed the EPA’s commitment to the sustainable management of Liberia’s environment and natural resources to ensure environmental sustainability for present and future generations.
With environmental sustainability at the core of Liberia’s development agenda, the EPA’s ESIA licensure training is expected to strengthen environmental governance and ensure that development projects align with national and international environmental standards.
