Environmental Knowledge Management System

Project Background

The proposed 36-month regional project, led by UNEP under the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), aims to mainstream biodiversity conservation into productive sectors by addressing unsustainable sand extraction in Liberia and The Gambia. Recognizing sand mining as a major driver of coastal erosion, habitat loss, pollution, and biodiversity decline in the West African marine ecoregion, the project adopts a source-to-sea approach to strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks, enhance institutional and technical capacity, promote nature-based solutions, and foster market transformation along the sand value chain. Through baseline assessments, regional knowledge-sharing platforms, regulatory reform, private sector engagement, and support for women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to transition toward biodiversity-friendly livelihoods, the project seeks to reduce ecological degradation while promoting sustainable economic resilience. With a total GEF financing envelope of approximately USD 4.9 million, the initiative aligns with national biodiversity strategies and GBF Action Areas 3 and 6 to integrate biodiversity safeguards into governance, markets, and investment decisions across the region.

Call for Expression of Interest to provide Short-Term Consultancy/Technical Support: National Consultant – Policy, Legal, and Institutional Expert – Official Website of the Environmental Knowledge Management System The proposed 36-month regional project, led by UNEP under the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), aims to mainstream biodiversity conservation into productive sectors by addressing unsustainable sand extraction in Liberia and The Gambia. Recognizing sand mining as a major driver of coastal er...

Project Background
The proposed 36-month regional project, led by UNEP under the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), aims to mainstream biodiversity conservation into productive sectors by addressing unsustainable sand extraction in Liberia and The Gambia. Recognizing sand mining as a major driver of coastal erosion, habitat loss, pollution, and biodiversity decline in the West African marine ecoregion, the project adopts a source-to-sea approach to strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks, enhance institutional and technical capacity, promote nature-based solutions, and foster market transformation along the sand value chain. Through baseline assessments, regional knowledge-sharing platforms, regulatory reform, private sector engagement, and support for women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to transition toward biodiversity- friendly livelihoods, the project seeks to reduce ecological degradation while promoting sustainable economic resilience. With a total GEF financing envelope of approximately USD 4.9 million, the initiative aligns with national biodiversity strategies and GBF Action Areas 3 and 6 to integrate biodiversity safeguards into governance, markets, and investment decisions across the region.

Call for Expression of Interest to provide Short-Term Consultancy/Technical Support: Consultancy Type & Title: National Consultant – Stakeholder, Gender and Social Inclusion Expert – Official Website of the Environmental Knowledge Management Syst The proposed 36-month regional project, led by UNEP under the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), aims to mainstream biodiversity conservation into productive sectors by addressing unsustainable sand extraction in Liberia and The Gambia. Recognizing sand mining as a major driver of coastal er...

Project Background
The proposed 36-month regional project, led by UNEP under the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), aims to mainstream biodiversity conservation into productive sectors by addressing unsustainable sand extraction in Liberia and The Gambia. Recognizing sand mining as a major driver of coastal erosion, habitat loss, pollution, and biodiversity decline in the West African marine ecoregion, the project adopts a source-to-sea approach to strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks, enhance institutional and technical capacity, promote nature-based solutions, and foster market transformation along the sand value chain. Through baseline assessments, regional knowledge-sharing platforms, regulatory reform, private sector engagement, and support for women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to transition toward biodiversity-friendly livelihoods, the project seeks to reduce ecological degradation while promoting sustainable economic resilience. With a total GEF financing envelope of approximately USD 4.9 million, the initiative aligns with national biodiversity strategies and GBF Action Areas 3 and 6 to integrate biodiversity safeguards into governance, markets, and investment decisions across the region.

Call for Expression of Interest to provide Short-Term Consultancy/Technical Support: National Consultant – Economic and Market Expert – Official Website of the Environmental Knowledge Management System The proposed 36-month regional project, led by UNEP under the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), aims to mainstream biodiversity conservation into productive sectors by addressing unsustainable sand extraction in Liberia and The Gambia. Recognizing sand mining as a major driver of coastal er...

New York, March 23, 2026 — The Government of Liberia is strengthening its voice on the global stage, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) leading the country’s participation in key United Nations negotiations on the High Seas Treaty.

Leading the Liberian delegation is EPA Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, who is representing the country at the Third Preparatory Commission (PrepCom III) of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. The meeting, taking place from March 23 to April 2, 2026, marks a critical step toward operationalizing the High Seas Treaty.

Liberia’s participation underscores the Government’s strong commitment to environmental protection, climate action, and international cooperation. The New York discussions are focused on establishing key systems that will guide how the agreement is implemented globally, including governance structures, financing mechanisms, and technical frameworks.

Dr. Yarkpawolo is joined by a team of experienced professionals, including Mr. Jestino Sharty Gaye of Liberia’s Permanent Mission in New York, Mr. Bohmensahn Yuan of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Mr. Joseph Charles of the EPA, among others, reflects a coordinated national approach to advancing Liberia’s interests on the global stage.

The ongoing negotiations are addressing critical areas such as the creation of marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, data-sharing systems, and equitable access to benefits derived from marine genetic resources. These discussions are expected to shape how countries collaborate to protect biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

For Liberia, the BBNJ Agreement presents significant opportunities. The process opens doors to increased access to international climate finance, technical support, and scientific collaboration, particularly in ocean research, marine resource management, and blue economy development.

The Government of Liberia views this engagement as a strategic opportunity to strengthen national capacity, attract investment, and ensure that the country benefits from emerging global systems tied to ocean resources.

At the same time, Liberia’s active participation demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that the voices and interests of developing countries are well represented in global decision-making processes.

As the world moves toward implementing the High Seas Treaty, Liberia remains focused on aligning its national priorities with international frameworks, promoting sustainable development, and safeguarding its natural resources for present and future generations.

At the United Nations Headquarters, Liberia has warned that climate change is no longer just an environmental issue but a serious threat to peace and security.

Delivering Liberia’s national statement on March 26, 2026, the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, told members of the Group of Friends on Climate & Security that the country is already feeling the impact.

He said rising sea levels and strong coastal erosion are forcing many people from their homes. According to him, this situation is affecting livelihoods and creating tension in communities.

“This is not only an environmental problem. It is now a human security issue,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said.

He explained that people who lose their homes and land often move to other areas, leading to disputes over land and resources. These tensions, he noted, can grow into bigger conflicts if not handled well.

Dr. Yarkpawolo also spoke about the wider region, especially the Sahel, where long dry seasons and poor farming conditions are pushing young men to move south in search of better life. He named countries like Burkina Faso as places where many migrants are coming from.

He said some of these migrants are entering forest areas in Liberia to farm crops like cocoa. While this helps them survive, it is putting more pressure on land and forests and sometimes causes problems with local communities.

“The risk of conflict is growing quietly,” he warned.

Despite the challenges, the EPA boss said Liberia is working to address the problem. He spoke about programs that are helping young people find jobs while protecting the environment. These include eco-brigades, mangrove restoration, and community peace efforts.

He said these actions are helping to reduce tension and build trust among people.

Liberia is also trying to connect climate work with peacebuilding. Dr. Yarkpawolo said projects on the coast now include building protection, restoring nature, and supporting local people at the same time.

He called on the international community to support countries like Liberia with funding and technical help. He said climate finance and strong partnerships are needed to prevent future conflicts.

“We cannot talk about climate change without talking about security,” he said. “And we cannot have peace without dealing with climate problems.”

Dr. Yarkpawolo added that Liberia is ready to work with partners to turn climate challenges into opportunities for peace and development.

New York, March 23, 2026 — The Government of Liberia is strengthening its voice on the global stage, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) leading the country’s participation in key United Nations negotiations on the High Seas Treaty.

Leading the Liberian delegation is EPA Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, who is representing the country at the Third Preparatory Commission (PrepCom III) of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. The meeting, taking place from March 23 to April 2, 2026, marks a critical step toward operationalizing the High Seas Treaty.

Liberia’s participation underscores the Government’s strong commitment to environmental protection, climate action, and international cooperation. The New York discussions are focused on establishing key systems that will guide how the agreement is implemented globally, including governance structures, financing mechanisms, and technical frameworks.

Dr. Yarkpawolo is joined by a team of experienced professionals, including Mr. Jestino Sharty Gaye of Liberia’s Permanent Mission in New York, Mr. Bohmensahn Yuan of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Mr. Joseph Charles of the EPA, among others, reflects a coordinated national approach to advancing Liberia’s interests on the global stage.

The ongoing negotiations are addressing critical areas such as the creation of marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, data-sharing systems, and equitable access to benefits derived from marine genetic resources. These discussions are expected to shape how countries collaborate to protect biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

For Liberia, the BBNJ Agreement presents significant opportunities. The process opens doors to increased access to international climate finance, technical support, and scientific collaboration, particularly in ocean research, marine resource management, and blue economy development.

The Government of Liberia views this engagement as a strategic opportunity to strengthen national capacity, attract investment, and ensure that the country benefits from emerging global systems tied to ocean resources.

At the same time, Liberia’s active participation demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that the voices and interests of developing countries are well represented in global decision-making processes.

As the world moves toward implementing the High Seas Treaty, Liberia remains focused on aligning its national priorities with international frameworks, promoting sustainable development, and safeguarding its natural resources for present and future generations.

EPA Boss Leads Liberia in Crucial UN High Seas Negotiations – Official Website of the Environmental Knowledge Management System EPA Boss Leads Liberia in Crucial UN High Seas Negotiations By Ujay VahIn NewsPosted March 26, 20260 Comment(s) Number of Views: 4 New York, March 23, 2026 — The Government of Liberia is strengthening its voice on the global stage, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) leading the country...