Liberia Edges Closer to Adopting First-Ever Carbon Trading Policy and Climate Change Law

Strategic Insights -

Liberia is on the cusp of adopting its first-ever Carbon Trading Policy and Climate Change Law, a framework designed to protect forests, support sustainable development, and establish the country as a respected player in global climate finance. A national dialogue on the draft policy, set to take place in Ganta, Nimba County, will bring together government officials, civil society leaders, and local stakeholders to debate and provide recommendations on the policy. The carbon trading policy aims to create a transparent, rule-based system for financing climate action and forest protection, with the goal of generating millions in revenue for the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Dialogue on the Draft Carbon Trading Policy will be held on August 21-22 in Ganta, Nimba County, bringing together government officials, civil society leaders, and local stakeholders to debate and provide recommendations on the policy.
  • Liberia is determined to establish a transparent, rule-based system for financing climate action and forest protection, with the goal of generating millions in revenue for the country.
  • The Forestry Development Authority (FDA) is providing technical input on forest management, and a nationwide forest inventory is being conducted to measure Liberia's carbon stock.
  • Public consultations on the draft policy have already been held in seven of Liberia's 15 counties, and consultations will soon extend to the remaining counties.
  • The carbon trading policy will serve as the foundation for a Climate Change Law, which will create a comprehensive framework for climate governance and cover emissions regulation, institutional mandates, and enforcement mechanisms.
  • The law will also ensure the fair sharing of carbon revenues with forest-dependent and vulnerable communities.
  • Liberia hosts over 40 percent of the Upper Guinea Forest, making it one of West Africa's most critical biodiversity reserves.
  • Civil society groups will advocate for stronger safeguards against corruption during the Ganta dialogue.
  • The National Climate Change Steering Committee (NCCSC) has mandated the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to draft a national carbon trading policy.
  • The EPA, FDA, and partners have been working on both the trading framework and the broader climate change law that will anchor it.

Statistics:

  • Liberia's carbon stock is being measured through a nationwide forest inventory conducted by the Coalition for Rainforest Nations (CfRN).
  • The CfRN will also conduct field training using high-resolution aerial imagery and modeling tools to measure Liberia's forest and mangrove carbon potential.
  • Training for a carbon technical working group made up of technicians from government agencies and civil society has been launched by the EPA.
  • Public consultations on the draft policy have been held in seven of Liberia's 15 counties.
  • Liberia hosts over 40 percent of the Upper Guinea Forest.

Sources:

  • "Liberia Edges Closer to Adopting First-Ever Carbon Trading Policy and Climate Change Law" (The Liberian Investigator, 2025)
  • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • The Forestry Development Authority (FDA)
  • The Coalition for Rainforest Nations (CfRN)
  • The National Climate Change Steering Committee (NCCSC)
  • The National Dialogue on the Draft Carbon Trading Policy