The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is set to implement a US$10 million project titled “Strengthening Agricultural Resilience through Transformational Livelihood Adaptation” (SARTLA) in Liberia.

Speaking at the opening of a workshop on July 22, 2024, EPA’s Deputy Executive Director, Dweh Boley, emphasized that Liberia, through UNDP, will access the US$10 million from the Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCCF) to implement the SARTLA Project. The project aims to strengthen the resilience of Liberia’s agriculture sector in response to the impacts of climate change.

Mr. Boley announced that the EPA and UNDP Liberia have been developing the SARTLA Project under the LDCF. “Today, we are pleased to inform you that the SARTLA Project has reached a significant milestone, the commencement of the Project Preparatory Grant (PPG) stage,” he stated.

He explained that the PPG phase is part of GEF’s Project Cycle, which involves informing key stakeholders and soliciting their input for incorporation into the full project document.

The EPA’s Deputy Executive Director highlighted the importance of agriculture, noting that it significantly contributes to economic development and engages nearly 70% of Liberia’s 5.4 million population. However, he acknowledged that climate change is adversely affecting the agriculture sector, disrupting planting seasons and increasing livestock diseases.

“The formulation of the SARTLA Project must align with key national documents, such as the National Climate Change Policy and Response Strategy, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP),” Mr. Boley remarked.

He added that President Joseph N. Boakai’s ARREST Agenda aims to boost agricultural production, ensure Liberia remains self-sufficient in crop and livestock cultivation, and improve the quality of life for people in the agriculture sector, which significantly impacts the overall population.

Mr. Boley mentioned that the EPA anticipates that the outcomes of the workshop will contribute to the development of a comprehensive project document that addresses the vulnerabilities of highly fragile counties in Liberia and strengthens their resilience against climate change impacts in the agriculture sector.

Also making remarks, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for Programme Louis Kuukpen acknowledged and applauded the GEF for its contributions to improving the natural environment, promoting, and protecting biodiversity, addressing climate change, and responding to other environmental issues in Liberia and the region through the Small Grants Programme, the Least Developed Country Fund, and STAR Allocation.

Mr. Kuukpen also acknowledged the Government of Liberia through the EPA for the trust and confidence reposed in UNDP based on the government's request for UNDP's support in mobilizing resources from the GEF LDCF, which has so far begun with tremendous success and is very well on course.

“Let me also note that UNDP stands ready to enhance partnerships with the government and other development partners in supporting the agriculture, tourism, and fisheries sectors based on our understanding of the risks that climate change poses to these sectors as well as the growth potential of these sectors in promoting resilient and inclusive economic growth,” he noted.

Kuukpen emphasized the need to ensure that the project design process is gender inclusive and takes into full consideration all the GEF programming requirements and assured UNDP’s continued commitment to working with the Government of Liberia and other partners in mobilizing climate finance to support sustainable development initiatives that can deliver transformative and lasting results, which can contribute to feeding the nation and reducing poverty.

The proposed SARTLA project addresses climate change impacts by introducing a systemic, integrated adaptation approach that builds resilience in communities and food production systems through Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), sustainable livelihood practices, and innovative finance mechanisms. 

It will target both coastal and inland counties, recognizing the interconnected nature of ecosystems and the need for a holistic approach to adaptation.