Finance and Development Minister Samuel Tweah has called for concerted efforts aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change in Liberia.

Speaking at the official launch of the National Policy & Response Strategy on Climate Change, Minister Tweah said that Liberia remains vulnerable to climate change. He sees the launch of the document as a significant milestone in addressing climate change issues in the Country.

He noted that climate change poses a significant threat to people all over the world, particular to livelihoods in least developed countries like Liberia, where climate related impact can have dire consequences for the most vulnerable and deprived societies.

“The threats posed by the impact of climate change are overwhelming and as the country remains vulnerable, every effort that will ensure that these threats are mitigated must be welcomed” Minister Tweah pointed out.

Cognizant of the impacts of this global menace and the dire need for adequate national response, the EPA and its partners, especially the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the National Adaptation Plans project funded by the Green Climate Fund, developed the (NPRS) to guide national response measures.

The policy was developed also with the support of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. It provides guidance on integrating climate change issues into national development planning processes at national, county, district and local level for effective coordination and will ensure that a qualitative, effective and coherent climate change adaptation process takes place.

UNDP Country Director Pa Lamin Beyai said the launch of this strategy/policy comes after the recent ratification of the Paris Climate Agreement and is a demonstration of the commitment of the Government of Liberia to global efforts to combat climate change.

“We strongly agree with the government that, for Liberia to limit the negative impacts of climate change, the country must continue to plan” intimated Dr. Beyai.

With an estimated seventy percent of the economically active population engaged in agricultural activities, any severity or worsening of climate impact could have serious economic implications on Liberia.

The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency noted that the climate Change policy/strategy will be used to deal with climate change issues in a holistic manner instead of bits and pieces.

Nathaniel Blama noted that the document will be used to put in place appropriate measures and mechanisms aimed at mitigating the issues of Climate change.

“The impact of climate change requires the widest coordination, cooperation and participation in an effective and appropriate national response comprising mitigation and adaptation measures in addressing the menace” stressed Blama.

The event was attended by high level policy makers and representatives from government entities, partners, representatives of the donor community, international and local NGOs, women and youth groups, and research and academic institutions.