MONROVIA – A week-long training on ocean acidification commenced today, gathering participants from Liberia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and other West African nations. The training, hosted at the Belle Casa Hotel in Monrovia from September 9-13, 2024, aims to boost scientific knowledge on ocean acidification among early-career scientists across the region.
This program is a collaborative effort between the Government of Liberia (GoL), the United Methodist University (UMU), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, with additional support from international partners, including the Ocean Acidification International Coordination Centre (OA-ICC), the Global Ocean Acidification Africa (OA-Africa) network, the International Alliance to Combat Ocean Acidification (OA-Alliance), and Empowering West African Scientists for a Sustainable Future.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to enforcing Liberia’s environmental laws and fulfilling international obligations under President Joseph Boakai’s administration.
“Part of our enforcement has to do with fulfilling international obligations,” Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo stated, highlighting the significance of global collaboration in tackling environmental challenges like ocean acidification.
He mentioned the EPA’s recent training on basic occupational radiation safety and the agency’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental safety in Liberia. Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo also revealed plans to travel to Vienna, Austria, alongside EPA’s Rafael Ngunbu and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to deposit key international agreements on nuclear safety.
“Ocean acidification, caused by the ocean’s absorption of excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, is a key focus of this training,” Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo explained, noting that it threatens marine biodiversity and poses socio-economic risks, especially for nations like Liberia that rely heavily on marine resources.
He urged participants to use this opportunity to collaborate and strengthen regional efforts to combat climate change, food insecurity, and environmental health challenges.
UMU President Dr. Yar-Donlah Gonway Gono also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of the training in addressing one of the most urgent environmental issues of our time.
“At the United Methodist University, we are deeply committed to advancing knowledge that serves not only the academic community but society at large,” Dr. Gono said, highlighting UMU’s commitment to developing innovative solutions to complex issues like ocean acidification.
Dr. Gono commended UMU’s Dean of Natural and Applied Sciences, Mr. Sheck Sheriff, for his leadership in organizing the event and thanked the OA-ICC and other sponsors for supporting the training.
Throughout the week, participants will engage in lectures, workshops, and fieldwork aimed at equipping them with the tools to monitor and mitigate the impacts of ocean acidification. Dr. Gono also announced the launch of the Gulf of Guinea Ocean Acidification Network during the training, describing it as a “pivotal moment” for the region.
“The network will bring together talents, knowledge, and resources to advance collective scientific efforts in addressing ocean acidification, further strengthening regional collaboration,” she added.
Representatives from the OA-ICC, including Ms. Lina Hansson and Mr. Samuel Dupont, expressed their appreciation to the Liberian government, the EPA, UMU, and other partners for organizing the event. They encouraged participants to take the training seriously, emphasizing the vital role scientists will play in addressing ocean acidification in their respective countries.
The support of international bodies like the OA-ICC, alongside contributions from the OA-Alliance, has been crucial in ensuring that West African nations can improve their understanding and response to ocean acidification.