Human Rights and the Environment
Published: 04 December, 2008
Irresponsible human activity continues to bring harm to our natural world. More than ever, human society is beginning to see and feel the effects of this maltreatment to the earth.
AACCL Environmental Club Established
Published: 03 December, 2008
Action Against Climate Change in Liberia (AACCL) launched an environmental club at St. Teresa Convent (STC) High School in Monrovia. After hosting an environmental awareness on climate change and global warming on the premises STC on November 8, the environmental club, called STC Students United for Environmental Change (STC-SUEC) has now been established.
Gender in Mainstreaming Climate Change
Published: 27 November, 2008
Climate change has become a global issue which increasingly keeps the international community's attention focused, considering the irrefutability of humanity's contribution to temperature rises observed in the last few years. Indeed, it is acknowledged these days that climate change worldwide is characterized by changes in climate directly or indirectly associated with anthropogenic (human) activities and forms part of natured variations (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; UNFCCC United Nations, 1992).
Students posed with AACCL's banner after the program
Convent High School Fired up!!
Published: 12 November, 2008
MONROVIA, The campaign trail of Action Against Climate Change in Liberia (AACCL) to sensitize the younger generation of the impact of climate change and global warming visited St. Teresa Convent High School in Monrovia.
ECOWAS Regional Dialogue on Climate Change in Cotonou, Benin (October 18-22, 2008)
Published: 30 October, 2008
CO2 emissions
The scale of the impact of climate change during the past decades is widely evident. The rise in food insecurity due to alterations in the rainfall and increased droughts summarize very well this increasingly alarming situation. Several development sectors, particularly agriculture, water, energy, housing, tourism, transport and health are threatened by the impact of climate change with significant incidents on the economies of the countries of the West African sub-region. If nothing is done, development efforts could be jeopardized by climate change, thus worsening poverty. West Africa is of the poorest regions of the planet where countries already find it difficult to take off in the area of development and they are confronted with serious challenges for survival. Unfortunately, West Africa has to deal with climate change impacts. Issues such as inadequate financial resources, technical, technological and coupled with corruption capabilities make people more vulnerable to the harmful and harsh effects of climate change.
The 1957-58 Zoning Act of Monrovia and the Environment
Published: 23 October, 2008
Peter Z. Gweh, PUC 19th to 24th Streets Chairman
Action Against climate Change in Liberia (AACCL) has been looking at the environmental degradation of the city of Monrovia. The whole city has no good site for tourism or a city that we as Liberians can be proud of. There is mess everywhere caused by us. With the impacts of climate change and global warming looming high in Liberia, the country is standing at a terrible position to have it wiped out in an instant.
Climate Change and Global Warming Campaign in Liberia
Published: 22 October, 2008
The campaign plans of Action Against climate Change (AACCL) and the Daily Observer newspaper to carry out climate change and global warming awareness in high schools in Monrovia and its environs took place at B.W. Harris High School on October 17, 2008.
UNDP Donates Water Testing Equipment to EPA
Published: 14 October, 2008
MONROVIA,The United Nations Development Programs (UNDP) over the weekend donated assorted Information and Technology (IT) equipment to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Importance of Wetlands in Liberia & EPA's Warning
Published: 09 October, 2008
The horror of S.K.D. Boulevard wetland
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia on September 30th issued a very serious warning about some corperate institutions and individuals who are in the habit of dumping all kinds of waste on the wetlands at the S.K.D. Boulevard. The management further expressed that such habbit is an offence under the Environmental Protection and Management law of Liberia (EMPL). Under the EMPL law, such offence is punishable by fine, imprisonment or both.
AACCL Campus Outreach at J.J. Roberts Memorial High
Published: 02 October, 2008
Ms. A. Ballie (BR) spoke on Biomass & Renewable Energy
Action against Climate Change in Liberia (AACCL) on September 26, 2008 embarked on a pilot high school program at J.J. Roberts Memorial High School in Sinkor. More than 300 students and teachers were seated for this all important program.
JJ Roberts High School Students listen keenly to issues on the environment
J.J. Roberts Senior High Students Enlightened About Climate Change & Global Warming
Published: 01 October, 2008
MONROVIA, More than three hundred senior high students crowded into the auditorium of the Joseph Jenkins Roberts School on Friday, September 26, 2008 to host Action Against Climate Change in Liberia (AACCL), a local non-governmental organization committed to raising awareness about the nation's environmental degradation.
Jeety Trading Corp and Sethi Brothers Inc. New Stores
Published: 25 September, 2008
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has called for the demolition of the newly constructed stores of Jeety Trading Corporation and Sethi Brothers Inc. in the King Gray Community.
International Ozone Day Marked at YMCA
Published: 18 September, 2008
Rep. Matthew V. Z. Darblo, Sr.
MONROVIA, Tuesday September 16, 2008, was celebrated in the global environmental calendar as International Ozone Day commemorating the sixteenth anniversary of the Montreal Protocol that international environmental agreement which propels global actions for the protection of the Ozone layer which is being gradually depleted by the use of CHCs (chlorofluorocarbons) in the refrigeration industry, in fire extinguisher and as well as blowing agents etc.
UNDP Donates 65 KVA Generator to EPA
Published: 10 September, 2008
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has donated a 65 KVA generator to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and has also furnished two offices at the headquarters of the Agency.
A collection site on Redemption Street behind BTC BARRACKS
Solid Waste Collection in Monrovia
Published: 21 August, 2008
In April 2007, POYRY took charge of solid waste collection under the sponsorship of the World Bank by a Special Implementation Unit (SIU) for a period of 18 months which was later extended to March 2009. Since the beginning of the program, many changes can be seen in and around Monrovia. Prior to the involvement of the World Bank the city of Monrovia was virtually under siege by trash found everywhere. From Rally Town to Red Light markets, solid waste collection was then not being effectively undertaken by the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC).
Liberia: The World's First Sustainable Biomass Fueled Economy?
Published: 14 August, 2008
Woodchips for Green Power Production
MONROVIA, So Buchanan Renewable Energies (BRE) aims to light up Liberia ... in green. The company says it will begin by building a 35 megawatt (MW) biomass-fueled power plant to serve Monrovia. This, with BRE's future developments, will propel Liberia onto the world stage, as the first biomass fueled economy. In an era in which increasing global energy demand is threatening our natural resource base, Liberia will demonstrate to the world that a modern economy can in fact be sustainable.
Benefits of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility program
Published: 07 August, 2008
Fourteen developing beneficiaries of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) will qualify for funding from the FCPF, launched at the Bali climate negotiations. The FCPF partners donor countries, the World Bank, and developing countries in an effort to build capacity for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.
MONROVIA, The unenviable reputation of one of the deprived slum communities of Soniewein has once again been accentuated with a resurfacing of a huge garbage stockpile left unattended in the area.
Protecting the Forest for Future Generations
Published: 24 July, 2008
The 14 developing countries qualified for the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) by the World Bank include six in Africa (the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar); five in Latin America (Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Mexico, Panama); and three in Asia (Nepal, Laos PDR, and Vietnam). They will receive initial funding from the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), an innovative approach to financing efforts to combat climate change.
Renewable energy is energy generated from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat which are renewable (naturally replenished).
Carbon sequestration refers to the provision of long-term storage of carbon in the terrestrial biosphere, underground, or the oceans so that the build-up of carbon dioxide (the principal greenhouse gas) concentration in the atmosphere will reduce or slow. In some cases, this is accomplished by maintaining or enhancing natural processes; in other cases, novel techniques are developed to dispose of carbon. The forest can also be used to store carbon.
EPA to Enforce Ban on ‘Harmful Substances’
Published: 07 July, 2008
Mr. Ben T. Donnie displaying the poster
MONROVIA, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has embarked on the launching of a postal awareness that educates the public on substances that it regards as banned substances and are harmful to the public.
Biomass Energy from Plant and Animal Matter
Published: 03 July, 2008
Biomass is organic material made from plants and animals. Biomass contains stored energy from the sun. Plants absorb the sun's energy in a process called photosynthesis. The chemical energy in plants gets passed on to animals and people that eat them. Biomass is a renewable energy source because we can always grow more trees and crops, and waste will always exist. Some examples of biomass fuels are wood, crops, manure, and some garbage.
Ozone depletion – A danger to our health
Published: 19 June, 2008
The Ozone layer is found in the high atmosphere preventing the harmful ray of the sun in reaching the earth. This layer has been damaged over the past fifty years, because of the damage done to the layer the harmful ray of the sun called Ultraviolet rays (UV-rays) can not reach us and cause heath problems including skin cancer, eye cataracts and effect our immune system.
Officials of the Paynesville City Corporation (PCC) last weekend launched a major clean-up campaign at the Red light market community aimed at removing garbage surrounding the market its environs.
EPA CEO Calls for Environmental Compliance
Published: 09 June, 2008
EPA Executive Director Ben Donnie
KAKATA, MARGIBI COUNTY, The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ben T. Donnie, has used this year's Environment Day observance to urge Liberians and foreigners residing in the country to conform themselves to the highest positive environmental standard.
One of several scrap stockpiles at Paynesville, outside Monrovia
Scrap Dealers Add to Environmental Crisis in Paynesville
Published: 06 June, 2008
MONROVIA, What appears now to be a grave and uncontrollable sanitation and environmental crisis has engulfed the densely populated commercial district of Paynesville, outside Monrovia.
Fiamah Dumpsite Shut Down
Published: 05 June, 2008
The old Fiamah dumpsite in Sinkor, Monrovia
The Sanitation and Environmental Health Department (SEHD) of the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) Monday shut down the newly-rehabilitated Fiamah Community dumpsite in Sinkor , Monrovia.
Celebration Of World Environmental Day Celebrated in Liberia
Published: 05 June, 2008
Liberia as a signatory to all major environmental agreements is not an implementer of many of the agreements signed. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established by an Act in 2003 to regulate environmental laws of Liberia has not been up to the task as much degradation of the environment goes on unheeded to by EPA. There is waste from one end of the country to another without anyone from EPA talking.
MONROVIA, The United States Trading Company (USTC) factory located in Paynesville outside the nation's capital, Monrovia, has allegedly produced huge industrial wastes that have now become a health hazard to surrounding communities.
A Clean Environment Is a Safe Liberia
Published: 02 June, 2008
Koffa: 'I don't know of anyone in this hall who does not need the air to live' Photo by A. M. Johnson
MONROVIA, The executive director of the Liberia Environmental Watch (LEW), Morris Koffa, over the weekend told a gathering of environmental experts, students and student groups and others that “a clean environment is a safe Liberia”.
FDA and River Cess County Inventory on Carbon Project
Published: 29 May, 2008
Since Liberia has committed 30% (1.5 million ha.) of its forest area to its Protected Area Network, this offers the biggest opportunity for (up-front) incentive payments under Voluntary Carbon Markets. Preliminary estimates suggest a relatively meager investment to protect permanently the heart of the West African hotspot may be roughly $5 million in start-up costs, with annual recurrent costs of less than $5 million. The annual foregone opportunity costs are estimated to be at least $6.4 million annually. The Protected Area Network will contain over 1/3 of Liberia's forest carbon or roughly 1.3 GtCO2. If these potential future emission reductions were monetized over a period of between 30 to 200 years at an average $10 price per tCO2, then the Net Present Value may be between $3 billion and $450 million assuming constant emission reductions and a discount rate of 15%.
River Cess Carbon Project to Mitigate Global Warming
Published: 22 May, 2008
The forest of Liberia is rapidly disappearing under the combined forces of shifting cultivation, unscientific pit sawing and other anthropogenic pressures on it. The wildlife is also severely threatened by uncontrolled commercial hunting and destruction of their habitats through slash-burn method of farming. This situation prevailed even before the Liberian Civil war.
Lott Carey students and school official pose for photo after receiving the drums and One of the drum that was presented to Ricks Institute
Lonestar Cell Supports Community Clean-up
Published: 15 May, 2008
Apparently trying to heed the call from the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) to help keep communities in Monrovia clean from filths, the Lonestar Cell Corporation has begun channeling its community clean-up supports through a local music house that has embarked on distributing sanitary drums to various primary, secondary and tertiary learning institutions in the capital.
Restore Liberian Forest to Mitigate Global Warming
Published: 08 May, 2008
When climate change is in the news, it is never talked about positively. Record- shattering winds, mudslides, floods and many others occur in Liberia. Every bad thing about making farm is discussed in our country today. It is the same story all the time.
EBF Brings New Lease of Life to Grand Bassa
Published: 01 May, 2008
The chairman of the Equatorial Bio Fuels (EBF), Mr. Michael Fragne, has stated that his company is committed to improving the living condition of the people of Bassa, in particular District #4.
Climate Change in Liberia
Published: 24 April, 2008
The issue of climate change in Liberia can be compared to HIV/AIDS owing to its devastating effect. Many Liberians are either ignorant of the facts about global climate change or don't believe that it is happening. But unlike HIV/AIDS which can affect individuals by their omission and commission, global climate change is affecting humans, animals and plants indiscriminately the world over and Liberia is no exemption.
Dr. Topor presents report to stakeholders and (l-r) Donnie, Jonathan Davis, Topor and Sambolah
EPA Vets Desk Study on PAMS
Published: 17 April, 2008
Environmental stakeholders in Liberia, faced with an uphill task of carving out protected areas in their country where revenue is largely accrued from mainly the extractive industry, held a one-day forum Wednesday to vet a desk study on protected areas management systems (PAMS) in Liberia.
ABOVE: CEO Wahmah installs ionizer as others look on BELKOW: Salesperson Kwita Dumbar installing an ionizer on a vehicle and Wahmah and Dumbar installing ionizer
Three wild animals, mainly baboons that reportedly crossed into Liberia through a border crossing point in Nimba County from Guinea, are said to have invaded the forests in the county, thus halting all farming activities.
[l-r] Dep. Min. Kiawu, chair, project steering committee; an MOA, representative; Mr. Massa; EPA Act. Ex. Dir. Jerome Nyenkan and Mr. Blama and Lake Piso Nature Reserve in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other partners including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will over the next two years conduct a project to integrate the country's Protect Area, which they say 'is tailored to match Government's determination in addressing national poverty reduction issues'.
Mr. Karmorh at the University of Liberia resource center
Searching for Benefits from Liberia's Carbon Market
Published: 31 January, 2008
Liberia is fast becoming an area of attraction for both those who tend to invest in alternative energy, using biofuels and those who espouse the doctrine of carbon sink, looking to use forest reserve to heal global warming.
Lake Piso to Be Mined for Gold
Published: 29 January, 2008
The Forestry Development Authority (FDA) recently learned that Subsea Resources DMCC, Inc., subcontractors for Earthcons, is poised to begin mining exploration in Lake Piso based on a 2005 agreement signed under the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Make Environment Friendly
Published: 24 January, 2008
EPA Executive Director, Ben T. Donnie
The National Ozone Unit (NOU) of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Monday held talks with stakeholders at a meeting at the agency's main office located on 4th Street in Sinkor. The program was intended to facilitate awareness on the conversion from ozone depleting chemicals to environmentally friendly alternatives. It also detailed the progress and benefits that could be accrued through the conversion.
Saving Lake Piso Basin
Published: 24 January, 2008
The consultation and awareness campaign to cities and towns within the Lake Piso Basin in Western Liberia is approaching concluding stages; the people of Grand Cape Mount and Bomi Counties have welcomed government initiative to declare the region as a multiple sustainable use Nature Reserve.
Makeshift toilets at Ma Juah Market Photo by John K. Forkpa
Pollution Threatens Mesurado River
Published: 11 January, 2008
MONROVIA, The Messurado River which joins with the Stockton Creek and empties into the sea is being seriously polluted with human excreta and hazardous waste.
A scrap depot situated in Soul Clinic Community in Paynesville outside Monrovia continues to pose a serious environmental threat and degradation for several thousand residents whose livelihoods depend on vegetable production.
Nyenkan: “The EPA is now in force and must begin to act,” Cross section of participants and Ms. Akumu
Polluters Will Be Fined, Jailed
Published: 22 November, 2007
Stakeholders in the Liberian environmental sector are meeting in a two-day workshop at the Monrovia City Hall to raise awareness on the use of clean fuels and vehicles as well as pursue enforcement of Section of the Environmental Management Law (EML) which provides for US$5,000 fine or a one-year jail term for polluters or both.
Morris T. Koffa, Executive Director, Liberia Environmental Watch, Inc, Dr. Chris Toe, Minister of Agriculture - Republic of Liberia, and Dr. Syrulwa Somah, A&T University, NC - Malaria and the Environment
Environmental Conference On Liberia Tomorrow
Published: 08 November, 2007
A conference to increase awareness on Liberia's environment will take place tomorrow Friday, November 9 under the auspices of the Liberia Environmental Watch (LEW) will be held at Bowie State University in Bowie Maryland, United States of America. A dinner will follow the conference in the evening of the same day and will be held at Martin's Crosswinds.
To Protect Sapo National Park:
Published: 25 October, 2007
In order to provide authentic protection for species at the Sapo National Park (SNP) in the Southeastern region from further extinction of the species, Conservation International (CI) Liberia has signed a grant of over US$692,003 with Actionaid Liberia.
DuPont Develops World's First Advanced Biofuel
Published: 04 October, 2007
David Anton, DuPont's venture manager for development of biobutanol, the world's first advanced biofuel, thinks a lot about the high-energy content of gasoline that is missing from traditional ethanol fuels. This deficiency is one reason automakers and the driving public have been slow to commit to fuels that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
