NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia, through the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia, in collaboration with international and national partners, has commenced a two-day inception workshop aimed at promoting responsible sand mining and safeguarding the country’s biodiversity.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
The workshop, held at the Corina Hotel, is being organized under the theme, “Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Productive Sectors: Responsible Sand Value Chain for Coastal Resilience in West Africa.”
It brings together a broad range of stakeholders, including the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Liberia National Tourism Authority, Forestry Development Authority, Food and Agriculture Organization, Civil Society Network of Liberia, and the National Disaster Management Agency, among others.
The diverse participation underscores a multi-sectoral approach to addressing the growing environmental and socio-economic challenges posed by sand mining in Liberia. Officials say the initiative seeks to balance development needs with environmental protection and sustainable resource management.
Officially opening the workshop on April 29, Executive Director of the EPA, Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, described the initiative as timely, noting that Liberia’s coastline and river systems are increasingly under threat from unsustainable sand mining practices.
He warned that the rising demand for sand, largely driven by construction activities, is accelerating coastal erosion, destroying natural habitats, and contributing to biodiversity loss.
“In some areas, we are already seeing parts of our coastline disappearing. This is not just an environmental issue, but also an economic and social problem affecting communities and infrastructure,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said.
The EPA boss outlined that the project will prioritize strengthening research and data on biodiversity, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and promoting sustainable business practices within the sand mining sector. He also encouraged the adoption of alternative construction materials, including compressed earth blocks, to reduce pressure on natural sand resources.
Speaking at the event, Natalie K. L. Harms, representing the United Nations Environment Programme, commended Liberia for its rich environmental assets, particularly its wetlands and coastal ecosystems.
She stressed that while sand remains essential for development, its extraction must be carefully managed to prevent long-term ecological damage.
Harms reaffirmed UNEP’s commitment to supporting Liberia through the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund to promote sustainable practices in the sector.
Also addressing the gathering, Montserrado County Superintendent Whroway Bryant, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government, emphasized the need for stronger community involvement and institutional coordination.
He noted that local communities are directly impacted by sand mining and must be included in decision-making processes.
Meanwhile, Assistant Minister for Planning, Research and Development at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Emmanuel Vaye, described sand as a vital resource for infrastructure development but cautioned that increasing demand is placing significant pressure on the environment.
He called for treating sand as a strategic national resource requiring effective planning, regulation, and coordinated oversight.
Providing an overview of the workshop, Desmond T. Thompson said the forum aims to build a shared understanding among stakeholders while addressing key issues such as biodiversity protection, governance, and sustainable livelihoods.
He added that discussions will focus on challenges and opportunities within the sand value chain, as well as aligning strategies among national and international partners.
The workshop is expected to lay the groundwork for a more coordinated and sustainable approach to sand mining in Liberia, while advancing efforts to protect the environment and improve the livelihoods of affected communities.
