Liberia Launches National Effort to Tackle Unsustainable Sand Mining
Monrovia, April 30, 2026 — The Government of Liberia, through the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia, in collaboration with local and international partners, has launched a two-day inception workshop focused on promoting responsible sand mining and protecting the country’s biodiversity.
Held at the Corina Hotel in Monrovia, the workshop is organized under the theme: “Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Productive Sectors: Responsible Sand Value Chain for Coastal Resilience in West Africa.” It brings together key stakeholders from across government and development institutions.
Participants include the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Liberia National Tourism Authority, Forestry Development Authority, Food and Agriculture Organization, Civil Society Network of Liberia, and the National Disaster Management Agency, among others.
Opening the workshop on April 29, EPA Executive Director Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo said the initiative comes at a critical time when Liberia’s coastline and river systems are under increasing threat from unregulated sand mining.
He warned that growing demand for sand, largely driven by construction activities, is accelerating coastal erosion, destroying habitats, and contributing to biodiversity loss.
“In some areas, we are already seeing parts of our coastline disappearing. This is not just an environmental issue, but also an economic and social challenge affecting communities and infrastructure,” he said.
Dr. Yarkpawolo explained that the project will focus on strengthening research and data on biodiversity, improving policy enforcement, and encouraging sustainable business practices within the sand mining sector. He also promoted the use of alternative construction materials such as compressed earth blocks to ease pressure on natural sand deposits.
Also speaking at the event, Natalie K. L. Harms, representing the United Nations Environment Programme, commended Liberia for its rich environmental resources, including wetlands and coastal ecosystems.
She emphasized that while sand remains essential for development, its extraction must be properly managed to prevent long-term environmental damage. Harms reaffirmed UNEP’s support through the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund to help Liberia adopt sustainable practices.
For his part, Montserrado County Superintendent Whroway Bryant, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government, highlighted the need for stronger community involvement and institutional coordination.
He stressed that communities directly affected by sand mining should play a key role in decision-making processes and called for improved collaboration among government agencies.
Meanwhile, Assistant Minister for Planning, Research and Development at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Emmanuel Vaye, described sand as a vital resource for national development but warned that increasing demand is putting significant strain on the environment.
He urged stakeholders to treat sand as a strategic national resource that requires careful planning, regulation, and coordinated management.
Providing an overview of the initiative, Desmond T. Thompson said the workshop is intended to build a shared understanding among stakeholders while addressing key issues such as biodiversity conservation, governance, and sustainable livelihoods.
He added that the discussions will help identify challenges and opportunities within the sand value chain and ensure better alignment between national experts and international partners.
The workshop is expected to lay the groundwork for a more coordinated and sustainable approach to sand mining in Liberia, while supporting efforts to protect the environment and improve the livelihoods of affected communities.
