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Liberia has reaffirmed its strong commitment to sustainable growth and climate action on the global stage, unveiling its Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) and the Natural Capital Atlas of Liberia during the opening of its national pavilion at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30).

The event was graced by Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia; Dehpue Y. Zuo, Deputy Minister for Economic Management at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning; and Kou Meapeh Gono, Superintendent of Nimba County.

Also in attendance were development partners, including Mr. Aliou Dia, UNDP Resident Representative to Liberia; representatives of the Government of Canada, the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF); and members of the Liberian delegation.

A Defining Moment in Liberia’s Climate Journey

In his keynote address, Dr. Yarkpawolo described the launch as “a defining moment in Liberia’s climate journey,” marking a new chapter in the country’s efforts to address the climate crisis while fostering inclusive economic growth. 

He emphasized that NDC 3.0 is more than a policy document — it is a roadmap for transformation that aligns national development with the Paris Agreement, President Joseph Boakai Sr.’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Liberia’s NDC 3.0 commits to:

Reducing 64% of national greenhouse gas emissions by 2035

10% financed domestically

54% dependent on international support

Key priorities include:

Renewable energy development

Clean cooking solutions to reduce deforestation and improve public health

Climate-smart agriculture for food security

Sustainable forest and coastal management to protect biodiversity

Nature-based and market-based mechanisms, including the emerging National Carbon Market Policy, are designed to attract green investments and ensure fair benefit-sharing with local communities.

Dr. Yarkpawolo stressed that Liberia’s approach is inclusive and people-centered, ensuring farmers, fishers, women, and youth — those most affected by climate impacts — are active participants in shaping sustainable solutions.

Liberia’s Natural Wealth: A Foundation for Growth

According to Dr. Yarkpawolo, Liberia’s ecosystems — dense tropical forests, rich river systems, and blue carbon mangroves — remain among the most important in West Africa, serving as both a natural defense against climate change and a foundation for future economic growth. Through NDC 3.0, Liberia seeks to turn its natural capital into a driver of human development, linking science, policy, and finance to create a resilient and prosperous nation.

Unveiling the Natural Capital Atlas

The EPA Executive Director also unveiled the Natural Capital Atlas of Liberia, describing it as a groundbreaking tool that maps the country’s forests, rivers, wetlands, mangroves, minerals, and biodiversity hotspots with scientific precision. 

The Atlas goes beyond documentation to serve as an evidence-based instrument for policy design, investment planning, and sustainable resource management.

Developed with financial and technical support from UNDP, in collaboration with the Forestry Development Authority, the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs & Tourism, and consultants from International Focus (IF) Magazine, the Atlas showcases Liberia’s rich biodiversity, ecosystem services, and potential for sustainable tourism and investment.

“The Atlas will help identify areas where nature-based solutions can deliver both environmental and economic benefits, while showcasing Liberia’s potential for green investment in forestry, eco-tourism, and carbon markets,” Dr. Yarkpawolo explained.

Government Commitment to Sustainable Transformation

Performing the official unveiling on behalf of the Government of Liberia, Deputy Minister Zuo hailed the launch as a major milestone in advancing Liberia’s climate and development agenda.

“The Natural Capital Atlas gives Liberia a clearer picture of what we have, where it is located, and how we can sustainably use it. This is not just about protecting forests and biodiversity; it is about building a sustainable economy that benefits all Liberians while supporting global climate action,” Zuo stated.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to integrating environmental management into national planning and emphasized that climate resilience, clean energy, and sustainable economic growth remain central pillars of President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda.

Global Call for Climate Justice

Liberia renewed its call for fair and accessible climate finance, urging developed nations and global institutions to honor commitments to vulnerable countries.

“Our forests store carbon that benefits the world, yet the communities who protect them remain among the poorest,” Zuo noted.

He called for investments in nature-based solutions, loss and damage funding, and scaled-up climate finance, citing global needs of $2.4 trillion annually by 2030 and $3.3 trillion by 2035.

Partnership for the Planet

Liberia expressed appreciation to partners—including UNDP, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the IMF, the European Union, and bilateral allies—for their continued support in strengthening the country’s climate finance ecosystem.

“Liberia’s climate and development agenda is not just a national plan — it is a contribution to humanity’s collective survival. With the ARREST Agenda as our compass, NDC 3.0 as our climate commitment, and the Atlas of Natural Capital as our guide, Liberia stands ready — ready to protect, to partner, and to progress. Let history remember COP30 as the moment the world chose a sustainable future,” Zuo concluded.

Also making remarks, Dr. Matthias Z. Naab, Director of the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA), commended President Joseph Boakai and the Government of Liberia for their steadfast commitment to climate action. 

He further acknowledged the leadership of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and all development partners whose collaboration made this milestone possible.

Dr. Naab issued a strong call to investors, development partners, and the private sector to join hands with Liberia in implementing the Revised NDC 3.0 and operationalizing the Atlas of Natural Beauty and Wonders.

“Through public–private partnerships, innovative financing, and international cooperation, Liberia can unlock the resources needed for transformation,” he emphasized.

He reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting Liberia through capacity building, policy advice, and facilitating access to global financing mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund.

Dr. Naab highlighted that Liberia’s approach offers a blueprint for Africa-driven green growth—placing nature and climate at the heart of development planning and turning vulnerabilities into engines of inclusive and sustainable progress.

“Let this launch inspire renewed collaboration and bold action, so that every policy, every partnership, and every dollar invested brings us closer to a greener, more resilient, and more prosperous Liberia and Africa,” he concluded.

UNDP Liberia’s Perspective: Protecting Nature, Protecting Our Future

Speaking at the event, UNDP Liberia Resident Representative Aliou Dia underscored the significance of the Atlas and Liberia’s leadership at COP30.

“It is a pleasure to join you as we prepare for COP30 in Belém, Brazil—a pivotal moment where nations unite to protect our planet and shape a sustainable future for all.”

He continued, “UNDP Liberia is proud to stand with the Government of Liberia, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in presenting the Atlas of Liberia’s Natural Beauty and Wonders. This initiative celebrates Liberia’s extraordinary landscapes, rich biodiversity, and the communities that lived in harmony with nature for generations. But the Atlas is more than a collection of stunning images—it is a story of resilience, identity, and possibility.”

Dia highlighted that the Atlas showcases Liberia’s rainforests, wetlands, mountains, and coastlines—ecosystems that sustain livelihoods and play a vital role in regulating the global climate.

“Through this work, Liberia shows that protecting natural beauty is inseparable from advancing climate action and sustainable development. UNDP is honored to support this effort as part of our shared commitment to nature-based solutions and environmental stewardship.”

He concluded with a call to action. “The Atlas reflects a core belief at UNDP: when we protect nature, we protect our future. As the world gathers at COP30, we invite partners, investors, and friends of Liberia to see these wonders not only as treasures of beauty but as opportunities for climate-smart growth, sustainable tourism, and community empowerment. Together, let us ensure that Liberia’s natural gifts continue to inspire and sustain generations to come.”