The National Civil Society Council of Liberia, in collaboration with the European Union-funded LEH-GO-GREEN Project, which is being implemented by the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), successfully concluded a two-day capacity-building workshop focusing on the Carbon Market and Carbon Readiness in Ganta City, Nimba County. This workshop took place from November 4 to November 5, 2024, and attracted a diverse group of professionals from the forestry sector and other critical industries across all 15 counties of Liberia.

In her opening remarks, Madam Loretta A. Pope-Kai, Chairperson of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia, expressed gratitude to all participants and encouraged them to maximize the benefits of the workshop. She urged stakeholders to enhance their support for the capacity development of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) related to carbon trading. The event was attended by representatives from various CSOs, including coordinators from each of Liberia's fifteen counties. Madam Pope-Kai emphasized that the carbon market represents an emerging issue in Liberia and encouraged CSOs to actively engage in carbon readiness initiatives.

Recently, the National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) has developed a roadmap to guide the establishment of Liberia's Carbon Framework Law. Madam Pope-Kai noted that this legislation will address various aspects related to the carbon market. She explained that the NCCS functions as the operational authority of the National Climate Change Steering Committee (NCCSC), which is chaired by the Ministry of Finance Development and Planning (MoFDP) and co-chaired by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Forestry Development Authority (FDA). She concluded by urging participants to apply the insights and knowledge gained during the workshop when they return to their respective counties.

Mr. John S. McKay, Jr., Technical Manager for the Department of Forest Carbon Harvesting Trade and Regulations at the FDA, who represented Madam Nora G. Bowier, Deputy Managing Director for Community, Conservation, and Carbon, stated that the UNDP and the FDA are collaborative partners in the LET'S GO GREEN project. He highlighted that the capacity-building workshop represents a fundamental component of this initiative. Mr. McKay emphasized that climate change is a global challenge that transcends individual and societal boundaries. He affirmed that the carbon market plays a vital role in the global response to climate change and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Author: Mr. Musa O. Lymas

             Acting Manager/ PAD