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ADNews-Monrovia, Liberia: ActionAid Liberia (AAL), in collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs), student groups, and youth-led movements, convened a two-day high-level workshop aimed at addressing harmful carbon practices and advocating for climate justice.
The workshop, held at the Corina Hotel in Monrovia from Monday, June 2, to Tuesday, June 3, focused on raising public awareness about carbon markets and promoting community-centered environmental policies.
In her opening remarks, Norwu K. Harris, Program Coordinator for Youth and Climate Justice Focal Person at ActioAid Liberia, warned against the unchecked expansion of carbon offset schemes, stating they pose significant risks to climate justice and community rights.
“We must not trade justice for speed,” said Madam Johnson. “Carbon offset schemes should not become loopholes for polluters. Communities are not rejecting climate solutions—they are raising valid concerns about land rights, food security, and autonomy.”
She underscored the urgent need for strong legal frameworks to govern Liberia’s engagement in both compliance and voluntary carbon markets. According to Johnson, compliance markets are regulated by state or regional mechanisms, such as the Kyoto Protocol, while voluntary markets involve businesses and individuals purchasing carbon credits to offset their emissions.
Madam Johnson emphasized ActionAid’s advocacy for a legally binding national carbon structure that includes fair and transparent benefit-sharing mechanisms. She applauded the Government of Liberia for drafting a national carbon roadmap and disclosed that a consultant is currently being vetted to work with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Forestry Development Authority (FDA), and CSOs in drafting a national carbon law.
“Forests are not just carbon sinks,” she added. “They are homes, sources of food, culture, and livelihoods. Those who have preserved them for generations must be at the center of any climate solution.”
Speaking at the event, Madam Loretta Pope Kai, Chairperson of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL), stressed the importance of community participation in shaping forest and climate governance.
“Carbon marketing must benefit our people,” she stated. “We are pleased to be part of this crucial policy dialogue. Our responsibility is to ensure that community voices are central in policy formulation and implementation.”
She noted that the Council, which includes 23 civil society organizations working on governance and environmental issues, is committed to promoting equitable solutions within the evolving carbon economy.
Mr. James Davis, Program Officer at the Press Union of Liberia, called on the national media to support the initiative by raising public awareness on carbon markets.
“From the media and Press Union’s perspective, we believe it is vital to work alongside ActionAid to increase public awareness through responsible journalism,” Davis said. “This is a global initiative, and Liberia must not be left behind.”
Tundy Rodney Tarn, a representative of the National Alliance of Climate and Environmental NGOs of Liberia, expressed concern over the potential misuse of carbon markets to commercialize forests at the expense of local communities.
“Carbon markets are being used as a smokescreen to delay real emissions reductions while displacing communities,” Tarn said. “This is not justice—it is exploitation. Forests are not for sale; they are the backbone of indigenous people and future generations.”
Tarn called for urgent action to place human rights and community protection at the center of carbon policy. While acknowledging the financial potential of carbon trading, he emphasized that it must not come at the cost of Liberia’s environmental and cultural heritage.
The workshop concluded with a unified call for inclusive policies that prioritize people and ecosystems over profit, reinforcing the role of grassroots movements and civil society in the fight for climate justice.
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