SCNL Attends Swedish Government Stockholm+50 National Consolations Dialogue in Liberia

                            Highlights plans to improve plastic pollution, waste management

The Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL) attended a one-day Stockholm +50 national consultations dialogue organized by the Government of Sweden in partnership with the Government of Liberia (GOL). The objective of the national consultations was to stimulate an inclusive bottom-up debate on Stockholm 50 themes, and processed stakeholders, NGOs, and youth experiences for “A healthy planet for the prosperity of all”.

The event was marked by opening remarks from Swedish Ambassador to Liberia, Urban Sjostrom, Environmental Protection Agency Director (EPA), Wilson K. Tarpeh, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Niels David-Scott, and Chairperson, National Civil Society Council of Liberia, Loretta Alethea Popekai.

During the interactive national dialogue, attended by students from higher learning institutions, and climate change activists, several panelists from the GOL, civil society organizations, United Nations, religious community, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), director of women entrepreneurs environmental links, the physically challenged, and representatives from youth organizations, spoke on: Reflecting on the urgent need for actions to achieve a healthy planet and prosperity of all, achieving a sustainable and inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic, achieving food security in changing climate post COVID socio economic and green recovery among others.

Charlene Jallah-Freeman, SCNL Coordinator for the GEF-FOLUR Project, informed the audience about the importance of cleaning the environment. She said often citizens depend on government to clean the streets, but it is a process that involves the collective effort of everyone. The project coordinator also said there are many reports on climate change, waste management and air pollution, but what is more important now is for government and international partners to engage in more action-oriented programs for a safer environment.

 “Our Health depends on us, what we do to the environment depends on us, `we can manage our homes carefully for a safer environment. The climate is our fundamental responsibility as young people to protect it. In order to have a clean environment, control air pollution, we have to stop burning dirt in the streets, plant more trees because doing so, it becomes healthy for the community,” Freeman added.

Making closing remarks, EPA Executive Director, Tarpeh and Ambassador Sjostrom thanked the panelists, the GOL, and everyone who graced the program for a successful dialogue.   “Liberians are determined people, when they put their minds to do anything, they can do it. I strongly believe, with support from partners, what we have discussed today can be achieved, “Tarpeh concluded.