October 1, 2025-The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has embarked on a high-level assessment of the Blue Ocean Project in the Southeast, with a focus on Maryland and Grand Kru Counties. The tour brought together senior government officials, project technicians, and international partners, underscoring Liberia’s commitment to safeguarding its marine and coastal resources.

Leading the delegation was Hon. Anthony S. Kollie, Acting Deputy Executive Director of the EPA, representing Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel King Urey Yarkpawolo. He was joined by Levi Z. Piah, the project’s technical focal point. Also in attendance were officials from the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), the Cooperative Development Agency (CDA), and the Forestry Development Authority (FDA).

The Blue Ocean Project, implemented by Conservation International with funding from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), seeks to address sustainable fishing, climate change, marine pollution, and the promotion of a blue economy. It is currently being implemented in Maryland, Grand Kru, Sinoe, and Rivercess Counties, with this latest field mission concentrating on Maryland and Grand Kru.

Adding international weight to the exercise, Sweden’s Ambassador to Liberia, His Excellency Karl Backeus, joined the monitoring activities, reflecting the global importance of Liberia’s coastal and marine ecosystems.

Officials described the assessment as a crucial step in ensuring that the project delivers lasting benefits to coastal communities while advancing Liberia’s fight against climate change and environmental degradation.