EPA Moves to Secure Liberia’s Ocean Future

By Edwin N. Khakie

BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa County, August 13, 2026 — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun a national process to determine how Liberia will implement the High Seas Treaty, with government institutions, lawmakers, development partners and other stakeholders meeting in Buchanan to assess the country’s readiness and develop a clear roadmap.

The two-day workshop, held at the K-Plaza Hotel, is reviewing Liberia’s laws, institutions, technical capacity and other requirements needed to implement the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, commonly known as the High Seas Treaty.

The workshop is being held with support from the Global Environment Facility and technical assistance from the United Nations Environment Programme. It comes more than a year after Liberia ratified the agreement in June 2025.

Speaking on behalf of EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Project Liaison Officer Desmond T. Thompson said ratification was only the beginning.

“Our task now is to determine how to implement the Agreement effectively and ensure that Liberia’s interests are adequately represented and protected,” Thompson said.

He said the national assessment is looking at existing laws and institutions, marine resources, environmental protection, scientific capacity and areas where Liberia needs additional support.

Thompson said successful implementation will require stronger coordination among government institutions, improved laws, better scientific and technical capacity, reliable data and sustainable financing.

Assistant Minister for International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Daniel Kokoi Jr., said Liberia must ensure that the treaty produces real benefits for the country.

“As a coastal nation with valuable marine and fishery resources, Liberia has a direct stake in ensuring that the world’s oceans are sustainably managed and protected for both current and future generations,” Kokoi said.

He urged stakeholders to critically review the assessment rather than simply endorse it.

“We are not here simply to endorse a document,” Kokoi said, calling for practical recommendations that reflect Liberia’s needs and priorities.

He said the treaty could provide opportunities for Liberia through scientific research, technology transfer, capacity building and greater participation in the global blue economy.

The workshop is expected to produce recommendations for strengthening Liberia’s assessment report and developing a national roadmap for implementing the High Seas Treaty.

Officials say the next challenge is to move from ratification to action while ensuring that Liberia protects its marine resources and gains meaningful economic and environmental benefits from its participation in global ocean governance.