The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has concluded a successful field mission to Sinoe County, reaffirming its commitment to protecting Liberia’s coastal communities from the growing threats of climate change.
Led by EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Mr. Louis Kuukpen, the delegation engaged with local leaders and residents in Seebeh, Bannah, and Downtown Mississippi.
The visit highlighted the Enhancing the Resilience of Vulnerable Coastal Communities Project—a transformative initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with a budget of USD 8.9 million. The project aims to safeguard vulnerable families while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
For the people of Sinoe, whose homes and lands have been severely affected by sea-level rise and coastal erosion, the project offers a lifeline.
In addition to constructing revetments to protect the shoreline, the initiative provides training, promotes financial inclusion, and offers direct compensation for natural resources utilized in the project.
In a landmark gesture, the Bannah community received a cheque of USD 25,000 as compensation for rocks sourced from their land for revetment construction.
This act of fairness and partnership was warmly welcomed as a recognition of the community’s contribution and sacrifice.
A key highlight of the mission was the engagement of a Human Resource firm to recruit 44 local workers—both skilled and unskilled—as daily laborers for the project.
The recruitment process was designed to be transparent, inclusive, and fair, with priority given to community members, women, and youth. This approach not only provides immediate employment but also fosters local ownership and long-term sustainability.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized, “This project is not only about protecting our environment—it is about restoring dignity, creating jobs, and building resilience for the most vulnerable among us. If the project succeeds, it can serve as a model for future interventions. But if it fails, it could create challenges for this and other communities. That’s why collaboration is essential.”
Mr. Louis Kuukpen added, “We are here today to reaffirm our commitment to completing this project before the end of next year. Our priority is to protect the people of Sinoe from the devastating impacts of coastal erosion. As UNDP, we are deeply grateful for the warm welcome and strong support from the community. We also extend our sincere thanks to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for its generous financial contribution, which has made this initiative possible.”
As implementation continues, the project will also focus on building institutional capacity for climate adaptation, promoting innovative climate information systems, and introducing hybrid adaptation solutions tailored to local realities. With a strong emphasis on inclusive participation, these interventions aim to strengthen livelihoods and ensure that vulnerable communities are not left behind.
The Acting Superintendent of Sinoe County, Mayah Padma, expressed appreciation. “This compensation and employment scheme shows that development can be fair and inclusive. Our people feel seen, valued, and supported.”
Josephine Doe, a woman’s leader from Bannah, shared her excitement, “For too long, we watched the sea take our homes. Today, we see the government and partners standing with us—not only protecting our land but also giving our people jobs and recognizing our resources. This gives us courage.”
With activities scheduled to run until 2028, the project promises to be a beacon of hope for Sinoe’s coastline—empowering communities, protecting livelihoods, and building resilience in the face of climate change.
