Monrovia, Liberia–On Friday, August 23, 2024, The Government of Liberia, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL) officially launched the 2024 Eco-Brigade Program simultaneously in Monrovia, Kakata, Gbarnga and Saniquellie, the UNDP said in a press release on September 2, 2024.
The event recognized 300 new Eco-Brigade members and highlighted the program’s achievements. This Initiative seeks to garner high-level political support and increase visibility for the Eco-Brigade initiative at the national and local levels.
The launch event featured a parade, presentations, and a certification ceremony, with key remarks from representatives of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the UNDP.
Delivering remarks on behalf of UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for Programme, Louis Kuukpen, Ms. Chrystal-Angel Wadlow commended the dedication, passion, and enthusiasm of the young people of Liberia who have joined the Youth Eco brigade, as well as the partners and stakeholders who have supported this initiative.
‘’Together, we can create a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable Monrovia, where people and the planet thrive,’’ Wadlow stressed.
The Eco-brigade program is a youth volunteer initiative that focuses on preserving the environment and creating start-up livelihood and income opportunities for the vulnerable youth population who are currently unemployed and economically marginalized.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to address environmental challenges while empowering vulnerable youths through sustainable livelihood opportunities.
It helps reduce poverty and inequality by supporting initiatives that engage poor and vulnerable households/populations in sustainable income-generation activities while promoting environmental stewardship.
The Eco-Brigade Activities were launched under UNDP’s Livelihood & Employment Creation Programme, engaging young people in income-generating exercises that will also promote environmental stewardship.
The program specifically targets unemployed and economically marginalized youth, including women and persons with disabilities (PWDs), offering them training in business development, environmental protection, and waste management.
Since 2021, the program has established five Eco-Brigades in various counties, including Robertsport, Buchanan, Greenville, Zwedru, and Voinjama.
This year, the program has expanded and enlisted 300 new members across Montserrado, Margibi, Bong, and Nimba counties.
These members will undergo training in green growth economic opportunities, receive toolkit materials, and be eligible for small grants to support their entrepreneurial endeavors.
UNDP supports the Eco-brigade program with technical assistance and contributions from international partners. The partners include Denmark, Luxembourg, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The Program aligns with Liberia’s national development goals and UNDP’s five-year Country Programme, focusing on poverty reduction, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental protection.