Liberia Environmental Watch (LEW), successfully held its first annual national conference

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Morris T. Koffa, Executive Director, LEW

Liberia Environmental Watch, a not-for-profit organization held its first annual National Conference on the campus of Bowie State University, Bowie, Maryland with resounding success.

Environmental Education Awareness, Environmental Clean-Up Campaign, Solid Waste Management, Engendering Environmental Policy and Environmental Governance were some of the objectives of LEW and the focus of the conference, with overwhelming contribution from the national and international communities.

Dr. Mickey L. Bumim, president of Bowie State University generously supported LEW. With the assistance of Dr. Larry Shannon, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Jennifer Bailey, professor of Globalization and Marketing in the College of Business and a host of workers and staff at the university, opened the doors of the campus to LEW with varied contributions, donations and assistance. Representatives from around the world participated in the conference.

Delegates at LEW's conference posed for photo session                                                 

Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency  (EPA) of Liberia, Honorable Ben Turtur Donnie traveled from Liberia to deliver the keynote address in the morning session of the conference.  He outlined the current conditions of Liberia’s environment and its impact on Liberia’s public health, stating that life expectancy today has decreased to its current standing of 45 years. 

"A soaring mortality rate is another consequence of the current environmental crisis in Liberia," Donnie said, and ascertained that the health issues plaguing Liberia can be contributed to the lack of environmental awareness and education, as well as unsanitary conditions in Liberia’s cities, towns, and rural communities.

"Part of the solution to Liberia’s environmental plight lies with the support of the international community, government and non-government organizations in donations, contributions, training and education of the world community as well as Liberia. Working together will raise Liberia out of its current condition to a good standard of living environment," he added.  Mr. Donnie pledged the commitment of the EPA in Liberia in creating and sustaining lasting solutions to the environmental issues of Liberia.

Africare, an international organization dedicated to working to improve the quality of life in Africa participated in the evening portion of the conference. The Honorable Julius Coles, president of Africare delivered the keynote address. Hon. Coles pledged to work with LEW throughout the process to clean and stabilize Liberia’s environment.

The success of the conference was due to the participation and support of both the national and international communities.

In another development, Liberia Environmental Watch, Inc. will conduct an environmental conference in Liberia in May 2008, which will also coincide with the celebration of Earth Day, June 5, 2008.  The EPA of Liberia Executive Director Donnie says that there will be Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Environmental Awards given to companies that practice and uphold established EPA Standards and good environmental practices in Liberia. LEW has been nominated to serve on the panel of judges to select winners of the award pending the approval of the policy council, Donnie said.

LEW's Executive Director Morris Koffa wishes to thank all participants and attendees for making the conference successful.  We thank everyone for their contributions and pledges and for their continued support.

LEW is headquartered at 4207 Plummers Promise Dr., Suite 100, Bowie, MD/USA 20720.  Contact person is Executive Director Morris Koffa at 240-417-2545.  www.liberiaenvironmentalwatch.org and myyspace.com/liberiaew.