IPNEWS: Liberia has made a bold move on the global stage by committing to sign the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty and establish new marine protected areas (MPAs).
This announcement was made during the High-Level Segment Meeting on the BBNJ Treaty in New York, where countries gathered to discuss the future of marine conservation.
Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia, addressed a distinguished gathering of international delegates and environmental leaders, emphasizing Liberia’s commitment to ocean preservation.
With over 350 miles of Atlantic coastline, Liberia’s marine resources are critical to the country’s economy and environment.
These waters support local fisheries, vital mangrove forests, and rich marine biodiversity, which millions of Liberians rely on for food security and livelihood.
“The ocean is not just a resource for Liberia; it is a lifeline,” Dr. Yarkpawolo stated, highlighting the urgency of protecting these ecosystems.
EPA Boss confirmed that Liberia will not only sign the BBNJ Treaty but also ratify the Minamata Convention on Mercury, reflecting the country’s broader efforts to address environmental challenges on both land and sea.
A key part of Liberia’s marine conservation strategy includes designating fully protected MPAs in alignment with the BBNJ Treaty’s goal of safeguarding 30% of the high seas.
The Dr. Yarkpawolo explained that these MPAs will be critical in preventing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices that threaten marine biodiversity.
The protection of fish stocks through these measures will also bolster food security, as many coastal communities depend on fishing for their livelihoods.
Additionally, Liberia’s strategy will contribute to the country’s resilience to climate change by protecting ecosystems that help mitigate its effects, such as mangroves and other blue carbon environments.
These ecosystems are not only essential for biodiversity but also play a significant role in carbon storage and coastal protection.
Dr. Yarkpawolo further emphasized that Liberia is collaborating with major international partners, including Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
These organizations, along with various think tanks and technical experts, are providing Liberia with the expertise and resources needed to ensure the success of its conservation initiatives.
“We are committed to working with global partners to achieve the shared goal of protecting 30% of the high seas,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said.
Liberia is leading by example, demonstrating that even small nations can have a significant impact on global environmental issues when they collaborate with the international community.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Yarkpawolo called for unity and action: “We must rise to the challenge for the future of our countries, our regions, and the planet.
Time is of the essence, and we cannot delay if we want to safeguard these crucial resources for future generations.”
