By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
MONROVIA – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has successfully concluded a two-day intensive training workshop aimed at strengthening the skills of more than 40 journalists and EPA Communication Unit staff in environmental reporting.
Held under the theme “Empowering Voices of Environmental Journalists for Sustainable Environmental Reporting,” the training took place from June 26 to 27 at the St. Theresa Convent Conference Hall in Monrovia.
Participants included reporters from a cross-section of media institutions and staff from the EPA’s Corporate and Communications Department.
The capacity-building initiative was designed to equip media professionals with the tools needed to report on environmental issues clearly, ethically, and effectively.
Facilitators for the training included veteran journalists, legal experts, and environmental communication specialists such as Atty. Daffae Senkpeni, Lennart Dodoo, Titus Tokpah of MediaAid, Garmondeh Wremongar, Blojay Joe II, Timothy R. Yoko, and Jefferson Massah, among others.
Participants received instruction on a wide range of topics including the structure and functions of the EPA, ethical journalism, solutions journalism, scientific accuracy in reporting, the use of artificial intelligence in media, storytelling for impact, and multimedia strategies including video, photography, and data visualization.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on behalf of EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, the agency’s Director of Administration, Mr. George M. Kawah, praised the facilitators and attendees for their commitment.
“We are very happy for all of you who made this training a success, especially our Communication Department headed by Mrs. Danese Love Dennis-Dodoo. We are so happy,” Mr. Kawah said.
He reaffirmed the EPA’s commitment to partnering with the media to promote environmental awareness across Liberia and emphasized that the agency remains open and accessible to journalists seeking information.
The training began with a pre-assessment and concluded with a post-training evaluation to gauge knowledge gained. At the end of the program, certificates of participation were awarded to all attendees.
Several journalists took to social media to express their gratitude. Blamo N. Toe of the Liberian Investigator wrote on Facebook, “We’re grateful to the EPA’s Corporate and Communications Department headed by Madam Danese Dennis-Dodoo for the opportunity. It was a rewarding experience, and we gained a lot.”
Barclay Wolo Sr. echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Many thanks to the EPA Communication Department. I achieved great knowledge in environmental reporting.”
The EPA says the training is part of a broader strategy to cultivate a well-informed media corps that can play a vital role in informing the public, influencing policy, and supporting national efforts to combat climate change and other environmental threats.
