MONROVIA In an effort to create an environment that is enabling for all, Prof. Wilson K. Tarpeh, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), has reaffirmed the need for the disability community to be included in all decision-making processes in the country.
The statement was made by the EPA Executive Director during a three-day validation workshop that took place over the weekend. He addressed technicians and stakeholders from different backgrounds, as well as representatives from different line ministries and agencies, including Gabriel T. Soh, head advocate for the Nimba County Disabled community in Gompa City (Nimba county).
Prof. Tarpeh said that the EPA would be inclusive and always welcome people from all walks of society in order to create a vibrant environment. He stated that they would work closely with the community of disabled people to make them feel like part of the environment.
He stated that the gesture by the technicians to leave their families and work during Easter to validate a document was a welcoming gesture and a sign of high patriotism.
It’s only those who are extra special will be able to leave their families, especially for this Easter holiday to spend 3 days reviewing a paper. Professor Tarpeh said, “I think you have done very good and I want you to say thank you all.”
Gabriel T. Soh, Nimba County’s head advocate for the disabled, stated that the suggestions of the community should be seriously considered and should be implemented.
Mr. Soh stated, “The eco-stove should not only be made for the most vulnerable people, but also for the least privileged. It should also be affordable.” He stated that this will let the disabled community know they are involved in the decision-making process.
He thanked the EPA, its partners, for always recognizing and supporting the disabled community in all that they do. He also expressed gratitude to GoL for recognizing the importance of including the disabled community within the country.
He also lamented the failure of the government to make various ministries and agency buildings accessible to disabled people to facilitate their movement and reduce the burden of having to climb up high buildings and steep stairs.
The EPA, through its Cross-Cutting Capacity Development project CCCD (UNDP), organized a workshop under the title Capacity Development Strategy and Action Plan of the 1992 United Nations Conference Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit.
The three-day meeting was intended to validate national capacities, develop strategies, and create an action plan to mainstream the Rio Convention.
This document aims at facilitating national awareness of relevant institutions, agencies, on the GEF strategies to implement the Rio Conventions. It includes Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change. Sustainable Land Management is also included.
It also aims to align national strategies for biodiversity, climate changes, and land management with capacity development strategy, action plan, and the Rio Conventions.
