The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) took a big step toward improving scientific environmental management by showing four members of the House of Representatives its newly upgraded Environmental Laboratory during a high-level visit to the agency’s Mamba Point headquarters.
The visit was meant to improve cooperation between policymakers and environmental regulators. It showed how the EPA has made progress in making its work more modern, increasing its technical skills, and making environmental governance more open.
Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, the EPA’s Executive Director, led the group through the agency’s cutting-edge facilities, such as the newly built Radiation Safety Laboratory, which was built with help from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He told the lawmakers about the most important strategic goals, institutional changes, and plans to build capacity that will help Liberia become more resilient to environmental risks.
Dr. Yarkpawolo stressed that the agency’s lab can now do more advanced research and monitoring on noise, air, soil, radiation, and water pollution, as well as keep track of the most important pollutants across the country. He said that these scientific tools will provide important real-world data to help make policy decisions, protect the environment, and encourage long-term national growth.
The visiting lawmakers praised the EPA’s progress and technical staff for their professionalism, recognizing the agency’s important role in protecting the environment and public health. They promised to keep supporting the EPA through legislation to improve its ability to do its job and make sure that Liberia meets global environmental standards.
In response, Dr. Yarkpawolo asked for continued political and financial support, stressing that his technical teams are dedicated to getting results and protecting Liberia’s environment even though they don’t have enough resources.
The visit marks a new partnership between the EPA and the National Legislature. It shows that they both want to work together to make Liberia safer and cleaner for future
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