Liberia is set to make a major environmental and economic statement on the global stage with the unveiling of its Natural Capital Atlas at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. The Government of Liberia, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other partners, will officially launch the Natural Capital Atlas of Liberia on November 10, 2025, at Liberia’s Pavilion.
The unveiling of the Atlas and an accompanying documentary titled “Liberia: The Natural Beauty and Wonders – A Crown for the World. COP30 and Beyond” will celebrate Liberia’s biodiversity, natural landscapes, and environmental potential while underscoring the nation’s commitment to sustainability and green growth. Developed under the leadership of Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the EPA, the Atlas combines scientific data, community knowledge, and visual storytelling to illustrate the nation’s natural wealth.
It captures Liberia’s diverse ecosystems, from its dense rainforests and vibrant wildlife to its winding river systems and unique geological formations. The Atlas is designed as both a conservation instrument and a platform to attract eco-tourism and green investment, highlighting the ecosystem services that Liberia’s natural resources provide. The project was realized through collaboration among the EPA, the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, and a team of consultants represented by International Focus (IF) Magazine).
The publication aligns with Liberia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the government’s ARREST Agenda, which seeks to strengthen environmental sustainability, resilience, and inclusive growth. At COP30, Liberia will also launch its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 3.0, outlining the country’s updated climate commitments and actions toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. According to Dr. Yarkpawolo, the Atlas represents more than a publication it is a vision for Liberia’s future. “The Natural Capital Atlas is more than a book it’s Liberia’s environmental blueprint,” he said.
“It tells our story of natural abundance and our vision to manage it wisely, inviting the world to join us in protecting what we have while investing in what we can sustainably grow.” The Liberian delegation to COP30 will be headed by Hon. Dehpue Y. Zuo, Deputy Minister for Economic Management at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. During the launch, delegates and international partners will witness the official presentation of the Atlas and the documentary, along with discussions that emphasize collaboration, investment, and the importance of preserving Liberia’s ecosystems. This event marks a pivotal moment for Liberia’s environmental diplomacy, signaling a renewed national commitment to conservation, climate action, and sustainable economic transformation.
The Atlas not only documents Liberia’s natural endowments but also serves as an invitation to the world to explore and invest responsibly in the country’s environmental assets. By connecting nature, people, and prosperity, Liberia aims to position itself as a global leader in sustainable development and eco-tourism, while reinforcing its reputation as one of West Africa’s most biologically diverse nations. Dr. Yarkpawolo described the launch as a historic milestone for the nation. “Through the Atlas, we are showing that protecting nature and pursuing development are not opposing goals they are two sides of the same vision for a greener, more prosperous future,” he said.
Author: Zac T. Sherman
