By: Laymah Kollie
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, through its Department of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), has initiated a strategic partnership with the Forestry Training Institute (FTI) to advance climate change education, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable forest management.
The two-day outreach, held from August 6–7, 2025, marked the beginning of collaborative efforts aimed at building environmental stewardship and capacity among young professionals and students.
The EPA delegation was led by Arthur R. M. Becker, Director of the MEAs Department, alongside John Forkpa Kannah, In-country Facilitator for Liberia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and Teddy P. Taylor, Climate Change Assistant and National Focal Point for the Freshwater Challenge.
Mr. Becker conveyed greetings from EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo and emphasized the importance of institutional collaboration in promoting the domestication of international environmental conventions and implementing the sustainability pillar of the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
The engagement also focused on accelerating the implementation of Liberia’s NDCs, National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), and National Adaptation Plans (NAP).
Welcoming the partnership, FTI Executive Director Joel Gamys expressed appreciation for EPA’s outreach and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to supporting environmental education and forest conservation.
Senior staff of FTI, including Deputy Executive Directors Jacqueline G. Dolo and Ms. Agape Toe, also participated, along with faculty and students.
As Liberia faces mounting environmental challenges, this partnership sets the tone for broader collaboration with institutions nationwide to build a more climate-resilient and environmentally conscious society.
