By: Ansu Moigua
IPNews-Monrovia,Liberia-31 July 2018: The Environmental Protection Agency-EPA, in collaboration with partners has ended a one day stakeholders workshop on sustainable Environment and Natural Resources Management at the YMCA hall, in Monrovia.
According to the EPA, the objective of the workshop is to solicit final inputs of stakeholders on communication and awareness strategy for sustainable environment and natural resource management, including the revision of relevant stakeholders in the sustainable management and natural resources with the concept of producing a workable communication and awareness strategy that will be used for the sustainability, and management of natural resources.
In his welcome remark, Benjamin Karmorh, manager for MEAs and focal point UNFCCC, stated that the validation workshop proves a very significant agenda for ensuring proper and usable communication and awareness strategy are validated which is a complete dream come true for stakeholders over a long period.
He told participants that the workshop is not just an ordinary one, but an important tool ensuring the development of the environment through communication and awareness.
He stated further that in the past there was limited knowledge of all especially the media on the relevant issues and duties of the EPA operation, but with the rolling out of the communication strategy and plan of the EPA communication team the media and the general public will now be afforded the platform to make usable suggestions and help in the protection of the environment through environmental programs and awareness campaigns.
He lauded the communication team of the EPA for and excellent ideal in ensuring the holding of the workshop to enhance public relations capacity of the Agency on various environmental interventions .
He continues: “ This communication and awareness will now make work easier due to the challenging nature of behavior change of people in the various communities in protecting the environment. It now opens a modern medium that will enhance communication through various channels such as print and electronic media which are affordable by community dwellers across the country.”
He called on all participants from various entities to make use of the opportunity and look at the document presented to them carefully for a better outcome.
Speaking earlier in the opening statement, EPA Deputy Director General, told participants that bringing together stakeholders on such matter of key importance is a success for the communication department of EPA-adding that it is another way of meeting their mandates towards a comprehensive programme delivery.
Randall Dobayou said EPA has always been in the lead of informing people on major programs and activities especially the protection of the environment, pollution and best environmental protection practices.
He further encouraged participants to ensure the rolling out of the strategy to people across the country for a greater collaboration in the programs and activities of the EPA.
Dobayou disclosed that despite the small budget of the EPA, the Agency is committed to ensuring the full adherence of its mandates of preventing a dangerous environment.
The young environmentalist called on participants to take the massage across through various communication and awareness channels.
Statements were also made by FDA, MOA,RIU among others present during the opening ceremony.
