A Summary:  A policy is a set of guidelines that directs the course of action of an individual or group of people. Environmental policy is therefore a set of guidelines designed for sustainable management of the environment. It is part of a strategic plan of action on which laws and regulations related to the environment are based.

The draft National Environmental Policy of Liberia was initiated over growing realization of the fragmentation in handling environmental matters. Simply, every stakeholder institution is governed by its own policy, and this causes overlapping of functions and responsibilities. Existing sectoral policies and regulations are limited in scope and are not in harmony with one another. They do not adequately address present realities of the environment. 

There is need for a new thrust in national development efforts for improving the quality of life of Liberians and residents. The necessity of formulating a national environmental policy is in recognition of the severe impact of man's activities on all components of the natural environment, especially the influences of pollution dynamics, high-density urbanization, and resources exploitation. 

As a commitment to environmental management, the Government of Liberia, in 1999, established the National Environmental Commission of Liberia (NECOLIB) and charged it with the executive authority over all programs and activities relating to environmental management in the country. The Commission, which is intended to evolve into an independent environmental protection agency, is now a functioning entity and is now focusing on carrying out its mandate. The major areas of focus include the formulation of a national environmental policy, the drafting of a comprehensive framework environmental protection and natural resources management law and reporting on the current status of the environment in Liberia 

The overall goal of the National Policy is to ensure the long-term economic prosperity of Liberia through sustainable social and economic development to meet the needs of present generation without compromising the potential of future generations to meet their needs.

Underlying Principles

Strategies for achieving the national development goals shall be guided by the following internationally-recognized principles:

- The Principle of Sustainable Development, which promotes development that meets present needs of the nation without endangering the potential of succeeding generations to satisfy their needs.

- The precautionary principle, which states that in certain cases action shall be taken without waiting for substantial proof. This is in recognition that in the face of environmental degradation environmental measures must sometimes be adopted even when scientific information is incomplete.

- The Polluter-Pays Principle provides that the polluter or responsible person should bear the full cost of the environmental damage caused by their activities.

- The principle of subsidiary or Individual Responsibility calls for decision-making and responsibility to take place at the lowest level of society. Thus, under this principle, every individual has the responsibility to ensure that damage is not done to the environment.

- The Principle of Consideration for Neighbors assures that each nation/individual should ensure that activities within national boundaries do not cause harm to the environment in their neighbors/neighboring countries.

Policy Objectives

The objectives of the National Environment Policy of Liberia are to ensure the improvement of the physical environment, improve quality of life of the people and ensure reconciliation and coordination between economic development and growth with sustainable management of natural resources. Thus, the Policy focuses on the following areas:

1. Socio-Economic Dimensions and Crosscutting Issues:

Commitment to sound economic policies and the proper management of natural resources, decentralized and transparent public administration, good governance and environmental concerns in national decision-making process, are requisite conditions for sustainable development. Targeted areas of policy intervention for effective environmental and socio-economic development are as follows:

- Occupational Health and Safety

One of the neglected aspects of the Liberian society is the absence of adequate standards for occupational health and safety. There must be adequate laws to provide safe and healthy environment at their work place. 

- Development of Human Settlements

The population should be well housed/sheltered with adequate utilities and social services that prevent environmental degradation. There is a need to build and manage human settlements using methods and strategies that balance human development with environmental management. It is important that human settlements planning and management incorporate environmental concerns. Communities should be encouraged to play a major role in designing and managing their own settlements

- Establishment and Management of Recreational Space

The proper management of recreational space in Liberia is necessary for providing areas of physical and mental relaxation for people and enhancing the aesthetic values of the landscape. The provision of appropriate infrastructure and services at recreational places does enhance environmental protection.

- National Monuments and Cultural Heritage

Traditionally, myths and spiritual beliefs shroud the cultural practices of the different ethnic groups in Liberia. Special areas/sites are selected/preserved and set aside as shrines to offer prayers, demonstrate obedience and respect to their gods and ancestors. Recognizing the importance of these cultural and traditional beliefs and practices of our people and to prevent frequent violations of these practices by non-members and for development purposes, it is appropriate to set up and protect these monument for both spiritual and environmental reasons.

- Poverty Alleviation

The environment and natural resources of Liberia must be exploited and managed in such a fashion that will contribute to the reduction of poverty. Since poverty is one of the root causes of environmental degradation, its reduction is critical to environmental conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources.

- Managing the Population

Since population and environmental issues cannot be divorced from each other, the government must ensure that environmental concerns are addressed and built into population policies and attending programmes and activities, and that national population policies are developed and promoted. Policies and programmes regarding health, water, sanitation, land-use and the general well being of the people need to be consistent with population policy and programmes. The impact of population growth and distribution on the environment and the livelihoods of the [people should be appreciated as it contributes to changing attitudes towards family size, which is reflected in population changes

- Environmental Impact Assessment

All development, socio-economic, and land-use activities of; any form, do impact on the environment to one degree or another. Therefore, it is essential to assess and evaluate all on-going and future activities to determine the latitude of the possible impacts. Environmental assessment is an entirely new tool in Liberia. However, its use has no been full understood and appreciated by policy makers and resource users. Environmental impact assessment shall be mainstreamed in order to curtail any adverse impact on the environment. 

- Environmental Information

Timely and accurate information pertaining to the environment must be available to decision-makers and the public to allow for sustainable management of environmental resources. Additionally, such information form the baseline against which continuous emerging challenges are measured and interventions are instituted. The relevant institutions must continuously collect, analyze, store and disseminate reliable information relating to environmental management issues including biodiversity, soil conservation, pollution control, and fire wood supply and demand. Institutional guidelines on environmental information management should be well defined. 

- Convention on Biological Diversity

Liberia is a code for biodiversity within the Upper Guinea Forest Ecosystem of West Africa. The country possesses some of the region's greatest diversity of fauna and flora. Therefore, conservation of biodiversity, both in and out of protected areas, is a very critical environmental issue due to threats to many species and degradation of critical ecosystems. The present rate of forest destruction and killing wildlife as a result of unsustainable socio-economic activities is alarming. Conservation of biodiversity is an important form of natural resource management, because its goal is to maintain national biological resources to meet the needs and aspirations of present generations.

- Conservation and Management of Water Resources Although Liberia is blessed with large bodies of water, the supply and distribution of water are critical issues in the socio-economic development of the country. Rapid population growth, agriculture expansion and industrialization require adequate safe supply of water. Water supply for the urban center is highly limited because of scarce resources, and access to safe drinking is a major problem. Water resources, both surface and ground should be managed and developed sustainably. Our river basins should be well studied and included in basic planning and development and in environmental impact assessment programmes. Priority should be given to watershed management to control, conserve and regulate the balance in catchment areas and water courses. 

- Conservation and Management of Wetlands

The importance of Liberia's wetlands is not fully understood. Wetlands play an important role in socio-economic development, and their conservation and management should be viewed as a national concern. They provide socio-economic and ecological functions such as serving as flood plains for erosion control and maintenance of biological diversity for daily living. Our wetlands are currently threatened with degradation as a result of pressure from firewood gatherers, uncontrolled solid and liquid wastes, settlements and agriculture production and industrial expansion. There is urgent need to promote the conservation of wetlands to sustain their ecological and socio-economic functions for present and future generations.

- Environmental Economics

Environmental conservation and management require that we integrate environmental costs and benefits into national economic planning and development at all levels, i.e. mainstreaming it. This is necessary as it helps to reflect the true costs and benefits of development. All measures adopted in environmental management, whether direct or indirect, have economic and financial consequences. Regrettably, in Liberia, we have not yet taken into consideration the direct and indirect impacts of economic activities on environmental management. Thus, cost/benefit factors have; not been integrated into the national social-economic development planning process. The true economic values of environment, management/mitigation must be considered. Most frequently, it is the financial value of the natural resource that is considered. We should be guided by the fact that sustainable resource use and proper environmental management are the means to ensure that the economy has the resources to sustain economic growth.

2. SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF SECTORAL SYSTEMS:

Fundamental to sustainable socio-economic development is the creation of an integrated and multi-sectoral systems approach to planning and management of resources and the environment. Coherent policies are required to accomplish this, and the policies must address cross-sectoral environmental management issues. Environmental priority programs for sustainable management along with policy measures and strategies must be developed. Programs and strategies must be developed in the following areas:

- Land Use
There ought to be strict adherence to the sensible use of land in manners that are technically feasible, economically viable and socially acceptable for land sustainability. Land is a complex commodity of vital importance to the people of Liberia, and the management will involve numerous complicated aspects. In Liberia, at the base level is a traditional system that holds land in trust for the collective use and welfare of as whole community. Therefore, whatever system of management and planning that is involved must take cognizance of this fact. The demand on the country's land and its natural resources presents a complex situation. There is demand on these resources to improve the people's welfare as well as demand by developers of the private sector. The consequence is that concepts about and actual use of land often conflict and create a serious problem in defining a land management system, which is a component of environmental management. Yet, all land users, although having different and often contradictory sets of value, objectives, intentions, or strategies, maintain that their aim is land use policies that benefit the people. Difficulty arises in the performance of the different objectives, leading to non-conforming uses of land, conflicts, over-use, and sometimes, even under-use of the land. Land resources and the processes of development that promote natural resources extraction, pollution and waste generation have unbalanced consequences on the environment.

- Forest and Wildlife
Liberia contains the last remaining portions of the Upper Guinea Forest in West Africa, with high biological diversity and standing timber potentials. According to the priority-setting meeting held in Ghana, in December of 1999, Liberia was considered the most important country in the West Africa Region to contain a remnant of the major tropical rainforest blocks, and related exceptionally high priority area. These forests are significant for conserving biodiversity of flora and fauna species, and maintaining an ecologically balanced system. However, this unique forest environment is now seriously threatened with depletion and species extinction because of uncontrolled logging, shifting cultivation, infrastructure development and settlements, indiscriminate hunting practices, fresh water fishing firewood and charcoal production and the harvesting of non-timber forest products. Recognizing the role rainforests splay in maintaining food security, storing scores of medical plants, income generation and adverting global and regional climate offset and, realizing the alarming rate at which the forest of Liberia is disappearing, it is imperative and incumbent upon the Government of Liberia to take some mitigating measures.

- Protected Areas
In recent years, there have been increasing deforestation, soil and other forms of land degradation, and unwarranted deterioration of the environment. In order for Liberians to communicate to decision-makers their true desires about the maintenance of the natural environment and the pace of development, it is essential for the people to have a clear idea of the benefits they obtain from nature in its undeveloped state. Attention should be given to linkages between the environment and economy-wide processes and policies. Protected areas can meet the needs of people only if social analysis is fully integrated with economic and ecological-biological analysis in their application to protected areas.

- Energy Production and Use
Energy production, supply and utilization have serious implication for Liberia's economy and environment. Over the years, crude oil, hydro, firewood (fuel wood) and charcoal have been used for the production of energy in Liberia. The use of these resources has greatly contributed to the degradation of the Liberian environment. As an oil importing country, Liberia spends about 30% of its foreign exchange earning on crude oil imports. Nevertheless, it must be noted that petroleum provides only a small percentage of the energy consumed in Liberia. Before the crisis, hydropower provided about 70% of electricity in Liberia, but now, as a result of the crisis, the bulk of the present energy consumption, is derived from firewood and charcoal.

- Toxic and Hazardous Substances
Hazardous chemicals refer to those chemical, which pose a risk or danger, through poisoning to those who come in contact with them through application, handling, exposed communities and use. The presence within the environment, and use, of hazardous substances for various purposes affect the quality of water, soil, air and ultimately life. The manufacturing, production, importation and exportation as well as the utilization of toxic and hazardous substances should be regulated to ensure the maximum protection and safety of human health and ecology. For many years the use of potential toxic chemicals in Liberia has proceeded without much consideration to the possible environmental consequences.

- Waste Management and Sanitation
Solid and liquid waste management is posing serious environmental problems particularly for urban areas and large villages. All wastes should be disposed of in ways that will not adversely affect the environment. The Government of Liberia will commit itself to a clean and healthy environment by protecting its territory against all forms of pollution: air, water, coastal, industrial and land. A clean environment is a necessary condition for social and economic development. Properly planned and implemented sewage/affluent management and sanitation are ingredients for a healthy life.

- Marine and Coastal Management
Promote conservation and proper management of the marine environment against the adverse effects of human and animal activities to promote sustainable of marine ecosystem and safe guard human health for social-economic development of marine; resources.

- Mining and Mineral Resources
The mining industry is one of the major sources of foreign exchange earning in Liberia. It is one of the strategic sectors to receive attention under the post-war Economic Recovery Programme. Nevertheless, mining and mineral processing can cause serious environmental and conservation problems if not properly controlled. Mining and mineral resources have contributed immensely to the degradation of the environment.. The main problems associated with surface mining in Liberia include soil degradation, land devastation and water pollution. Cognizant of the degradation that the mining sector has caused over the years, it is necessary that meaningful programs are arranged and place to protect the ecosystem during mining activities.

- Agricultural Chemicals
The manufacture, production, importation and exportation of all agricultural chemicals should be regulated to ensure a safe environment. 

- Noise and Air Pollution
The effects of environmental pollution are felt in several areas: people themselves, water, air, noise pollution, waste disposal, etc. However, in Liberia, the standards, which serve as guidelines for monitoring agencies are generally lacking. An adequate assessment of whether the level of pollution caused by any activity is acceptable or not, safe or; dangerous, depends on the minimum quality standards which have been determined for any activity and at any particular time and place. The appropriate knowledge, technology, and resources are necessary for setting standards and monitoring.


3. Working with and Through People:

The involvement of the citizenry in environmental management and utilization of natural resources is very crucial. People's participation must be developed and supported by building the capacity of individuals, groups and communities. Additionally, public education about environmental matters, as well as creating opportunity for public participation in decision that affects their environment-the participation of NGOs, CBOs, PVOs and youth clubs should be considered. The private sector and business community have a role to play as well, and their involvement is needed. Only if people are involved, informed, and trained about environmental matters will they appreciate the importance of nature and natural resources. Strategies to ensure the people's participation in decision-making and implementation are as follows:

- Capacity Building and Technology Transfer
The Environmental Protection Agency, after its establishment, shall foster and encourage the creation of an enabling environment for the transfer of appropriate technologies and capacity building, which will enhance national efforts geared towards sound environmental management and protection.

- Bio-Prospecting and Intellectual Property
Bio-Prospecting has been a historical traditional practice in all of our villages and towns. Although most herbalists claim they have cured multiple diseases, there are hardly any documented and analytical proofs. Some of these practices have acquired serious side effects resulting into deaths, paralysis, etc. It is therefore recommended that government encourages and empowers universities, pharmaceutical laboratories and other bio-technical institutions to carry our research on medicinal plants and traditional knowledge in collaboration with the stewards of this knowledge.

- Public Education and Awareness
Develop an effective scheme for the promotion of environmental education and awareness in order to change people's attitudes and perceptions about the environment. Foster practices and values for sustainable development. Incorporate environmental programmes into educational programmes at all levels to enhance knowledge and skills and raise environmental awareness.

- Gender and Women's Issues
Gender is a core development issue and women play an important part in managing and inadvertently degrading natural resources. Therefore, it is imperative to promote integration of gender concerns into environmental decisions and particularly consider the role women play in environmental protection. Gender mainstreaming should form an integral part of the basic training and social development, and environmental and natural resources management. In environmental management, gender sensitivity must be made a priority for sustainability and development.

- NGOs, CBOs, PVOs, Youth Clubs and the Private Sector
It is in Liberia's national interest to recognize and strengthen the role of individuals, NGOs, community-based organizations and the youth groups in sustaining the environment. Further, the business communities and the international communities must be involved in the formulation stage of the environmental management policy and be allowed to serve as partners during policy implementation. We must realize that in order to manage, protect, and sustainably utilize natural resources, people, communities and organizations must be empowered and they must participate and equitably share the socio-economic benefits from the management of the environment and natural resources.

4. Policy Implementation

The policy implementation is to be conducted through the Environmental Protection Agency and other relevant institutions and organizations. The requirements for effective implementation are as follows:

Legal Arrangements
It is imperative to promulgate a comprehensive legal framework for protecting and managing the environment. The current situation of conflicting laws and overlapping jurisdiction is not conducive to sustainably managing our natural resources.

Institutional Arrangements
Environmental concerns are cross-sectoral and require an integrated multi-sectoral management approach. Thus, there is to be created an institutional arrangement that provides for and entity that has authority over all environmental matters and a mechanism for public participation in policy making. Thus, there shall be created a National Environment Council, with membership reflecting all stakeholders, that shall be responsible for policy formation and priority setting and the National Environment Protection Agency that shall be responsible for coordinating, integrating and harmonizing the implementation of environmental policies and decisions of the Council, working in collaboration with the line ministries and government agencies. In addition, to ensure that decision-making and responsibility for environment protection reaches down to the lowest level possible participatory bodies such as environmental committees must be established on the County and District levels and membership must represent all stakeholders.

International Treaties And Obligations
Most, if not all, pollution problems are transboundary. Thus international cooperation is essential to protecting the environment within national borders. Accordingly, Liberia must maintain and where necessary increase its participation in environment-related multinational, continental and regional organizations and activities.

Monitoring And Evaluation
A fully organized mechanism will be set up to appropriately monitor and evaluate environmental activities. It should involve all relevant stakeholders and be designed to support all environmental management programs. Necessarily, data collection should be an integral part of the monitoring and evaluation system.