𝐁𝐲 𝐏. 𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐊𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐞

𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐀, 𝐉𝐚𝐧 𝟐𝟕 (𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐀) – President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing environmental sustainability and addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and global warming.

Delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Capitol Building in Monrovia on January 27, 2025, President Boakai outlined his administration’s efforts to combat climate threats and preserve Liberia’s natural resources

The President highlighted that in 2024, his government enacted regulations aimed at conserving air, water, and soil resources. With the support of international climate financing, his administration has commenced the construction of coastal defenses to safeguard vulnerable areas, including West Point and Greenville City, from the devastating effects of sea erosion.

In addition, President Boakai emphasized progress in climate adaptation, noting the establishment of a meteorological center and a climate-smart lab at the University of Liberia to enhance climate reporting and resilience.

“Liberia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are ambitious, targeting a 64% reduction in emissions by 2030,” the President stated. He further announced plans to expand these contributions to include freshwater ecosystems, land rights, and youth participation, reinforcing Liberia’s commitment to global climate action.

With 42% of the Upper Guinean Rainforest under its stewardship, Liberia is well-positioned to benefit from the carbon market. President Boakai revealed that his government is developing a legal framework to enable effective participation in these markets, with guidance from the National Climate Change Steering Committee and support from key international partners.

Addressing Land Governance Challenges, the President also turned his attention to the critical issue of land governance, describing land as one of Liberia’s most vital resources—a legacy from God and the country’s forefathers that holds potential for livelihood and economic development.

However, he acknowledged escalating land disputes as a major challenge, with courts overwhelmed by cases and tensions arising from conflicts between investors, communities, and vulnerable populations.

“Land conflicts in Liberia are rooted in historical grievances, poor governance, and increasing market pressures on land use,” President Boakai explained. He assured citizens that his administration is taking bold steps to address these issues, ensuring justice and enabling productive use of land and resources.

In 2024, the government issued deeds to 24 land-owning communities, securing nearly one million acres and benefiting over 200,000 Liberians. President Boakai also announced a moratorium on public land sales to prevent speculative grabs, which will remain in place until clear guidelines are established.

“These efforts aim to enhance tenure security, resolve conflicts, and promote sustainable land investments across Liberia,” the President stated as he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing land governance reform and environmental sustainability to ensure a brighter future for the nation.