On The Side Lines of The Paris Climate Change Conference - Min. Konneh Holds Talks With Green Climate Fund Executive Director

Paris, France - The Head of the Liberian Delegation at the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, France, Finance and Development Planning Minister Amara Konneh has highlighted Liberia’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.

During a meeting with Madam Hela Cheikhrouhou, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) on the side lines of the Paris Conference, Minister Konneh indicated that the growing sea level has led to the intrusion of the sea in most of the coastal communities leading to the destruction of lives and infrastructures.

According to a dispatch, Minister Konneh also identified the degradation of the Mesurado River in Monrovia, noting its discoloration and stressed the importance of the GCF Financial Support for concrete climate change adaptation projects in strengthening the resilience of the country to climate change.

The Liberian head of delegation further underscored the need to strengthen national institutions of higher learning to develop curricula that will train young people to ensure the protection of the climate and the environment.

“The government is concern about sustained public awareness for the people of Liberia to capacitate young folks, especially to become Climate Ambassadors.” Minister Konneh emphasized.

In response, the Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund who appreciated Minister Konneh for highlighting Liberia’s case, assured him that The Fund was established for vulnerable countries like Liberia to address national adaptation and mitigation activities.

Madam Hela Cheikhrouhou indicated that the Fund was looking forward to ensure that Liberia benefits from its Readiness and Support Program as the first major step to ensure stakeholders’ consultations and at the same time, to strengthen relevant institutions prior to the development, approval and execution of projects on the ground.

Minister Konneh who is also the Board Chair of the Environmental Protection Agency was accompanied to the meeting by Liberia's Ambassador to France, H.E. C. William Allen, Anyaa Vohiri, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) Harrison Karnwea, Forestry Development Authority Managing Director, Senator Morris Saytumah and some members of the Liberian delegation to the Paris Climate Change Conference.

The Fund is a unique global initiative to respond to climate change by investing into low-emission and climate-resilient development. GCF was established by 194 governments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries, and to help adapt vulnerable societies to the unavoidable impacts of climate change. Given the urgency and seriousness of the challenge, the Fund is mandated to make an ambitious contribution to the united global response to climate change.

Members of the Liberian delegation attending the conference are deliberating and participating in panel discussions on different thematic areas on the climate and the environment along with other delegates from around the world.