-In 9 Counties
By Laymah Kollie
Kakata, Margibi County – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, through the Enhancing the Resilience of Vulnerable Coastal Communities in Sinoe County (ERVCCS) Project, commenced a two-day technical working session on Friday, September 18, 2026, to develop a framework for integrating climate financing into the development plans and budgeting processes of Liberia’s nine coastal counties.
The session took place at the NASSCORP Building in Kakata, Margibi County, and is scheduled to climax at the same venue on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The ERVCCS Project is a six-year initiative led by the EPA with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Government of Liberia.
The project covers Liberia’s nine coastal counties: Montserrado, Bomi, Sinoe, Margibi, Maryland, Rivercess, Grand Bassa, Grand Kru, and Grand Cape Mount. It focuses on strengthening local institutions for climate adaptation, promoting resilient livelihoods, and empowering women and youth in vulnerable coastal communities.
The technical session seeks to address gaps in incorporating climate priorities into county development plans, sector strategies, annual work plans, and budget frameworks. It will also support the integration of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) principles and Sea and River Defense Investment Management (SRDIM) into county planning and budgeting processes.
The initiative comes as coastal communities continue to face challenges from coastal erosion, sea-level rise, flooding, saltwater intrusion, and changing weather patterns, which affect livelihoods, infrastructure, and natural resources.
Through the session, the EPA and its partners are working to strengthen the capacity of county institutions to plan for, finance, and implement climate adaptation measures, ultimately helping build more resilient coastal communities across Liberia.
