Policy Sets Framework for Carbon Markets, Climate Finance and Greater Benefits for Forest Communities
NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has received Liberia’s new National Carbon Policy, a major step toward establishing a structured national approach to carbon markets, carbon trading and climate finance.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
The policy is intended to provide a framework for Liberia’s participation in the rapidly expanding global carbon economy while ensuring that the country’s engagement is guided by national interests, transparency, accountability and broad stakeholder participation.
The document was developed following an extensive national consultation and consensus-building process involving forest-dependent communities, civil society organizations, government institutions, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and members of the Legislature.
Policy Emerges from Broad National Consultations
The consultation process was designed to ensure that the views and interests of communities and institutions connected to Liberia’s forests and climate resources were incorporated into the policy.
The framework outlines the roles and responsibilities of government institutions in carbon-market activities and climate finance, providing a basis for greater coordination as Liberia seeks to participate more effectively in international carbon transactions.
Receiving the policy, President Boakai commended the technical team and stakeholders involved in its development, describing the extensive consultations as evidence of a shared commitment to Liberia’s future.
He particularly praised the Environmental Protection Agency and other technical experts for their contributions, saying their work demonstrates Liberia’s growing ability to address complex national and international issues.
Boakai: Forests Must Benefit Liberians
President Boakai said Liberia’s forests are among the country’s most important natural resources and play a critical role in absorbing carbon and helping address the global climate crisis.
He stressed that the country must find practical ways to ensure that its natural resources generate tangible benefits for Liberians, especially communities that have historically depended on, protected and lived alongside the nation’s forests.
According to the President, the National Carbon Policy provides an opportunity to create a more structured pathway for Liberia to attract climate finance, participate in carbon-market transactions and support conservation and other climate-related development initiatives.
The President emphasized that Liberia’s participation in the carbon economy should not be limited to international transactions but should translate into meaningful development benefits for communities and the wider population.
President Calls for Action, Not Endless Deliberations
President Boakai also cautioned against allowing prolonged discussions to prevent the country from taking action.
While acknowledging that the policy could be reviewed and amended as circumstances change, he said Liberia needs an agreed framework to begin moving forward.
“There are amendments we will make, but we have to have something done for now, and that’s what we have to do,” President Boakai pointed out.
He argued that policies can be strengthened over time through experience and additional consultation, but emphasized that the absence of a framework could hinder Liberia’s ability to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the global carbon economy.
Boakai Urges Confidence in Liberian Expertise
The Liberian leader further called for greater confidence in the capacity of Liberian professionals, saying the country has qualified experts who can make significant contributions to national development when given the opportunity and responsibility.
His comments come as Liberia seeks to strengthen domestic expertise in areas involving climate change, environmental governance, carbon markets and climate finance.
President Boakai said Liberia must increasingly rely on its own professionals to develop and implement policies addressing the country’s national interests, while recognizing the importance of technical cooperation and international partnerships.
Policy Targets Sustainable Development
The President also underscored the responsibility of national leaders to make decisions based on what they believe is in the best interest of the country.
He noted that leaders entrusted with national responsibilities cannot always satisfy every individual or stakeholder, but must make decisions that they believe will advance Liberia’s broader interests.
The National Carbon Policy is now expected to serve as a foundation for Liberia’s future engagement with carbon markets and climate finance.
Beyond providing guidance for carbon-market transactions, the policy is expected to strengthen national coordination, promote transparency and ensure that revenues and other benefits generated from Liberia’s natural resources contribute to sustainable development.
For Liberia’s forest-dependent communities, the policy could also create opportunities for greater participation in decisions concerning the country’s forests and carbon resources, while helping ensure that conservation efforts produce tangible social and economic benefits.
The framework comes as the global carbon economy continues to expand, creating new opportunities for countries with significant forest resources such as Liberia to mobilize climate finance while protecting ecosystems and supporting sustainable development.
With the National Carbon Policy now presented to the President, attention is expected to turn toward implementation and ensuring that the framework translates into practical benefits for Liberia, particularly the communities that have long played a role in protecting the country’s forests.
