By Vaye Abel Lepolu
Belém, Brazil – The Liberian government through the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA) has renewed its call for greater African solidarity in global climate negotiations, urging unity between Africans on the continent and those across the diaspora. The appeal was delivered during the High-Level Segment at COP30 by Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA).
In his address, Dr. Yarkpawolo highlighted Africa’s disproportionate vulnerability to climate change despite being the least responsible for global emissions.
He stressed that a united African voice is essential for securing fair treatment in international climate processes. “We are one people with one history,” he told delegates, “and we must shape one resilient future together.”
Meanwhile, Liberia reaffirmed its solidarity with the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group and praised Brazil’s leadership of COP30. However the country also backed the Recognition of Africa’s Special Needs and Circumstances under the Paris Agreement and endorsed the Belém Declaration on People of African Descent, emphasizing dignity, rights, and global representation for African-descended communities.
The statement called on the African diaspora to support Africa’s push for recognition of its unique climate vulnerabilities and urged Africans on the continent to stand with communities in the Americas and the Caribbean seeking greater participation in climate governance.
In addition, announcing major national commitments, Dr. Yarkpawolo revealed that Liberia has submitted its Third-Generation Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which targets a 64 percent emissions reduction by 2035. He emphasized that adaptation remains Liberia’s top priority and called for a fully operational Global Goal on Adaptation supported by measurable indicators and accessible, grant-based financing.
Liberia through EPA also spotlighted nature-based solutions including the protection of forests, wetlands, and mangroves as key pillars of both national resilience and global climate mitigation efforts. The country urged partners to scale up financing to advance these initiatives.
Reaffirming its position within the African Group, Liberia supported a development-centered and nationally driven Just Transition that improves energy access, protects communities, and avoids punitive trade measures.
Additionally, Dr. Yarkpawolo closed with a powerful call for continental and diaspora unity, urging all African people to converge around the shared struggle for climate justice. Liberia, he said, remains committed to regional collaboration and multilateral action toward a fairer, more resilient global future.
At the same time, Liberia’s EPA Urges Climate Finance for Cleaner, People-Centered Mining at COP30
Accordingly, the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has called for increased climate finance, cleaner mining technologies, and a just transition for communities and workers as the country moves to reform its mining sector. The appeal came during a keynote address delivered Tuesday at the Liberian Pavilion at COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
Speaking on the theme “Balancing Extraction, Climate Finance, and Just Transition: Advancing Sustainable Mining for Climate and Development in Liberia,” John K. Jallah Jr., the EPA’s Director of Compliance & Enforcement and Liberia’s National Focal Point for the Minamata Convention, said Liberia is committed to transforming mining into a climate-resilient, environmentally responsible industry.
Jallah noted that while mining remains central to Liberia’s economy, it drives deforestation, pollution, mercury contamination, and heightens community vulnerability. “Mining is part of our identity as a nation, but it must no longer undermine the future we are trying to build,” he said. “We must balance extraction with environmental protection, community wellbeing, and stronger climate action.”
He highlighted risks facing mining communities, including mercury exposure from artisanal operations, degraded landscapes, polluted rivers, and climate-related flooding of pits.
Outlining Liberia’s priorities, Jallah said the government aims to: Adopt clean and green mining technologies; Reduce emissions and pollution; Restore mined-out lands; Strengthen community benefit mechanisms; Integrate climate resilience and renewable energy into operations. Enforce environmental compliance as a national standard.
He emphasized that achieving these goals requires targeted climate financing and international partnerships, arguing that mining has been overlooked in global climate finance despite its clear links to mitigation and adaptation.
The EPA is seeking funds for mercury-free artisanal mining technologies, renewable energy for operations, digital environmental monitoring, mine closure and landscape restoration, and livelihood and resilience programs in mining communities. “Mining reforms are climate action,” Jallah said. “Cleaner mining reduces emissions, restores ecosystems, and protects communities. Climate finance must recognize this and support our efforts.”
Jallah also underscored Liberia’s commitment to a just transition to ensure communities and workers are not left behind. Priorities include safer alternatives for artisanal miners, economic opportunities for women and youth, reskilling and green jobs for displaced workers, and stronger community development and benefit-sharing.
On governance, the EPA pointed to ongoing reforms to boost revenue transparency, contract disclosure, community participation, and accountability for environmental performance measures Jallah said build trust and attract responsible investment.
Liberia used the COP30 platform to invite partnerships from development agencies, the private sector, civil society, and research institutions. Proposed collaboration areas include clean mining technology deployment, community livelihood programs, enhanced environmental monitoring and enforcement, renewable energy integration, and land restoration.
“Liberia is choosing a future where communities benefit, the environment is protected, and critical minerals support global climate solutions,” Jallah concluded. “With partnership, innovation, and commitment, this transition is within our reach.
