The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) is preparing to launch an ambitious nationwide tree-planting campaign to restore the country’s rapidly declining forest cover, with plans to plant at least two million trees.
According to Presidential Press Secretary Kula B. Fofana, the initiative was disclosed during a recent Cabinet meeting where the EPA presented an environmental report warning that Liberia’s forests are being depleted at an alarming rate due to years of logging and other activities affecting natural resources.
She said large quantities of timber continue to be harvested and processed into planks, plywood, and other wood products for export and local construction. Officials say the long-standing practice has significantly reduced forest cover and is contributing to the country’s growing environmental challenges. In response, according to Madam Fofana, the EPA is mobilizing support for a national tree-planting initiative towards replenishing degraded forest areas and strengthening climate resilience.
The Presidential Press Secretary revealed that the initiative is part of broader efforts by the Government of Liberia to protect the environment and address the impacts of climate change. However, she noted that further details about the program, including the specific trees to be planted and the official timeline for the launch, will be announced by the EPA once preparations are finalized. Madam Fofana narrated that during the Cabinet discussions, the EPA also provided updates on efforts to mobilize climate financing to support coastal protection and renewable energy development.
She told Executive Mansion reporters that cabinet members further examined measures aimed at strengthening the protection of Liberia’s natural resources, including plans to recruit additional forest rangers to improve monitoring across forest regions.
The Press Secretary added that concerns were also raised about the growing presence of heavy mining equipment in forest areas, which officials say is accelerating environmental degradation and threatening remaining forest reserves. She said the planned tree-planting campaign is expected to play a key role in restoring ecological balance while reinforcing Liberia’s commitment to environmental protection.
