By Amos Harris
Liberia is set to make a strong showing at the upcoming COP30 Global Climate Conference, with a renewed focus on local community engagement, indigenous knowledge, and the protection of forests and wetlands.
Speaking during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on October 30, 2025
Dr. Emmanuel K. Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), confirmed that Liberia will actively participate in this year’s Conference of the Parties (COP30) a landmark event that unites nations to debate, negotiate and find collective solutions to the global climate crisis.
According to Dr. Yarkpawolo, COP30 will take place in both Germany and Brazil, with the main session to be hosted in the heart of the Amazon often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth.”
This setting underscores the critical importance of forests in the global effort to combat climate change.
He noted that the central themes of this year’s conference will revolve around forest conservation, ocean-based solutions, and public finance all key areas that align closely with Liberia’s environmental priorities.
Highlighting Liberia’s readiness, Dr. Yarkpawolo announced that the country will host a National Pavilion at COP30 to showcase its rich biodiversity, resilient ecosystems, and growing investment opportunities in the green and blue economies.
“Liberia remains one of the most forested countries in West Africa, hosting about 43 percent of the region’s forests,” Dr. Yarkpawolo stated.
“Our nation plays a critical role in absorbing millions of tons of carbon dioxide, contributing significantly to cooling the Earth’s climate.”
The EPA delegation plans to use the conference to promote Liberia as a climate solutions leader, highlighting opportunities for sustainable partnerships and green investment.
The pavilion will also feature special sessions introducing Liberia’s environmental governance systems, potential for bilateral and multilateral collaboration, and initiatives encouraging private-sector participation.
In a major announcement, Dr. Yarkpawolo revealed that the EPA will also launch Liberia’s first post-war Natural Capital Atlas a comprehensive publication that documents the country’s wealth in forests, rivers, biodiversity, and human capital.
The Natural Capital Atlas will serve as a foundation for sustainable economic transformation, providing essential data to guide development planning and investment.
The publication is expected to be officially launched at COP30 on November 10, 2025, during the conference’s opening ceremony in Berlin and Brazil.
As preparations intensify, Liberia remains among the nations most vulnerable to climate change, facing growing threats to its forests, wetlands, and coastal areas.
Yet, through its proactive participation in COP30, the country seeks not only to share its challenges but also to demonstrate its resilience and leadership in global climate action.
“Our participation at COP30 symbolizes Liberia’s unwavering commitment to protecting the environment and building climate resilience for future generations,” Dr. Yarkpawolo concluded.
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