By: Aminata Sesay
Sierra Leone and Liberia have taken a historic step toward strengthening regional climate cooperation by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the COP30 Climate Summit. The agreement aims to enhance cross-border environmental governance and support joint action on shared ecological challenges.
The MoU, signed by Sierra Leone’s Environment Protection Agency (EPA-SL) and Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-Liberia), seeks to harmonize environmental standards, improve information sharing, and establish coordinated responses to emerging threats affecting forests, water resources, and biodiversity along their shared border. Officials say the pact sets a new precedent for West Africa in managing transboundary ecosystems and bolstering climate resilience.
“This partnership provides a strong platform for improved environmental governance and regional cooperation,” said Sierra Leone’s Minister of Environment, Jiwoh Emmanuel Abdulai. “It builds on years of bilateral engagement including staff exchanges, peer-learning visits, and joint consultations all of which reinforce our shared commitment to protecting natural resources for present and future generations.”
The agreement also introduces mechanisms for joint monitoring, early warning systems, and capacity-building initiatives. These measures will enable both countries to respond quickly to environmental emergencies and emerging climate risks. By aligning policies and strategies, the MoU aims to reduce duplication of efforts and maximize the impact of climate initiatives on the ground.
International organizations welcomed the initiative. Representatives from the NDC Partnership, the Global Centre for Climate Mobility, the National Adaptation Plan Global Network, and Liberia’s Forestry Development Authority praised the MoU as a model for effective transboundary environmental governance. They highlighted its potential to strengthen forest conservation, enhance climate adaptation, and support ecological mobility across the West African region.
Analysts note that the agreement underscores a growing recognition that climate challenges do not stop at national borders. Regional collaboration, they say, is key to addressing deforestation, illegal mining, and the increasing impacts of extreme weather events.
The new partnership is expected to accelerate joint climate action and promote sustainable natural resource management. It reinforces both countries’ commitments under the Paris Agreement and regional climate frameworks. By pooling expertise and resources, Sierra Leone and Liberia aim to enhance climate resilience, protect shared ecosystems, and serve as a model for collaborative environmental governance in West Africa.