|
Madam Anyaa Vohiri, EPA Executive Director addresses workshop participants at the YMCA. The Executive Director of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Madam Anyaa Vohiri says wetlands (swamps) are sensitive and delicate environment and should not in any way be misused.
Madam Vohiri, said wetlands provide food and medicinal value, help contain erosion, serve as source of fish production and preserve migrant birds and other endangered species that are vital to the survival of the human race.
She noted that some wetlands are being used to dump dirt, build hanging toilets and houses, discharge effluent and other contaminants, including the cutting down of mangrove forests on the wetlands, something the EPA boss said is not healthy for the environment.
Speaking at a workshop to review and validate the national wetlands policy at the YMCA in Monrovia, Madam Vohiri disclosed that the misuse of wetlands could cause diseases, loss of biodiversity, pollution, food insecurity, erosion and flooding.
She urged the participants to serve as good ambassadors by telling the public the importance of wetlands, especially benefits communities stand to accrue from Wetlands. Currently, Liberia has five wetlands of international significance. They are Kpatawee in Bong County, Gbedin in Nimba County, Lake Piso in Grand Cape Mount County, Marshall in Margibi County and the Mesurado in Montserrado County.
The Mesurado Wetlands host the vulnerable African Dwarf Crocodile, the Nile crocodile and the African Sharp-Noise Crocodile. They play an important role in shoreline stabilization and sediment trapping.
Participants of the review and validation workshop came from both the private and public sectors, including the Land Commission, Agriculture, FFI, UNMIL, academic institutions, FDA, Township commissioners and representatives from the offices of the Superintendents of Grand Cape Mount and Margibi Counties among others.
|
