By: Sampson W Weah – sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
MONROVIA – Liberia is taking a historic step toward adopting its first-ever Climate Change Law and a national Carbon Trading Policy, with a two-day National Dialogue scheduled for August 21–22, 2025, in Ganta, Nimba County.
Organized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the guidance of the National Climate Change Steering Committee (NCCSC), the forum will bring together county superintendents, government ministers, civil society representatives, international partners, youth and women groups, faith leaders, students, and members of the press.
EPA Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkawolo, said the event will ensure “full national ownership” by incorporating citizens’ perspectives before the draft policy is finalized.
Once approved, the policy will form the foundation of Liberia’s first Climate Change Law, designed to regulate emissions, establish oversight bodies, and govern carbon trading.
“The law will guarantee transparency, accountability, and fairness in the operation of carbon markets, while ensuring that vulnerable and forest-based communities benefit directly,” Dr. Urey said during a MICAT press briefing.
NCCSC’s Role and Progress
Chaired by the President of Liberia, the NCCSC serves as the country’s highest national authority on climate matters. In July 2024, during its 24th session, the committee tasked the EPA with leading policy development in close collaboration with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA).
Since then, both agencies, alongside development partners, have advanced the framework for carbon trading and climate governance.
Liberia has also signed an agreement with the Coalition for Rainforest Nations (CfRN), which is providing technical support and conducting a full forest inventory to assess the country’s carbon stock—an essential step for participation in global carbon markets.
Dr. Urey added that CfRN will begin training Liberia’s national carbon technical working group later this month, using advanced satellite imagery and modeling systems to measure forest carbon reserves. Similar assessments are being conducted for mangroves.
The draft Carbon Trading Policy has already passed technical review and been presented to the NCCSC. Public consultations have been conducted in seven counties, with engagements in the remaining counties planned over the coming months.
“This process is not just about government,” Dr. Urey emphasized. “It is about the survival of our forests, the well-being of our people, and the long-term prosperity of our nation.”
Liberia’s Global Ambition
Globally, carbon markets are emerging as critical tools for financing climate action, conserving forests, and driving sustainable development.
Liberia aims to position itself as a credible participant by establishing a transparent, inclusive, and rule-based system.
With the National Dialogue approaching, the government is urging citizens, communities, and stakeholders to actively contribute to shaping what could become a landmark framework for climate governance in Liberia.
