Energy and Environment Programme

Project Summary

Liberia is home to rich natural resources and is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot. However, the country faces growing environmental challenges that threaten ecosystems, livelihoods, and sustainable development—particularly for women and marginalized groups.

Climate change, deforestation, and pressure on protected areas are impacting key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, energy, and public health. Rising sea levels have accelerated coastal erosion, damaging infrastructure and displacing communities. Low-lying areas are increasingly vulnerable to flooding due to poor drainage and waste management systems. Without robust early warning systems, an estimated 230,000 people could be at risk from a 1-meter sea level rise, potentially resulting in the loss of 2,150 km² of land valued at US$250 million.

Climate-related health risks are also rising, with increased vulnerability to diseases such as malaria, cholera, and diarrheal infections. Planning and resource allocation remain constrained by limited data and weak climate risk assessments.

Liberia also ranks among the lowest globally in energy access. According to the 2016 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES):

82.3% of the population lacks access to electricity.
In rural areas, this figure rises to 96.9%.
95% of households rely on charcoal and firewood for cooking and heating.
Only 2% have access to clean cooking fuels and technologies.

Despite these challenges, Liberia has significant renewable energy potential. With a tropical climate and average temperatures around 27°C (81°F), the country receives 4–6 kWh/m²/day of solar radiation, offering the potential to generate 1,400–1,500 kWh/person/year from solar energy.

Programme Focus

The Energy and Environment Programme, led by UNDP, supports the Government of Liberia in building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. The programme promotes:

Sustainable agriculture and food security
Climate-resilient livelihoods and job creation
Clean energy access and renewable energy development
Environmental protection and disaster risk reduction

UNDP works to empower communities—especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities—through targeted projects that improve living conditions, enhance climate resilience, and foster inclusive economic growth.

Programme Objective

The Energy and Environment (E&E) Programme aims to strengthen Liberia’s capacity to manage its natural resources sustainably and build resilience to climate change and natural disasters. Through integrated and inclusive approaches, the programme supports biodiversity conservation, sustainable land and waste management, renewable energy access, and the promotion of eco-tourism.

UNDP’s interventions are designed to address environmental challenges within a broader development framework, creating synergies across four key thematic areas:

Livelihood Diversification, Disaster Resilience, and Climate Change Adaptation
Supporting communities to build climate-resilient livelihoods and reduce vulnerability to environmental shocks.
Biodiversity Conservation, Eco-Tourism, and Sustainable Land Management
Promoting nature-based solutions and sustainable land use while enhancing conservation and tourism opportunities.
Renewable Energy Access
Expanding access to clean and affordable energy, especially in underserved and rural communities.
Waste Management
Improving solid waste systems and promoting circular economy practices to reduce environmental pollution.

Expected Results

By 2024, Liberia will achieve diversified and inclusive economic growth driven by investments in sustainable agriculture, food security, job creation, and enhanced resilience to climate change and natural disasters.

The Energy and Environment Programme, led by UNDP, will support national efforts through collaboration with Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.

Key expected outcomes include:

Climate-Resilient Planning and Policy Development
Climate-smart programmes, plans, and policies developed across key sectors to guide national and local responses to environmental risks.
Strengthened Disaster Risk Governance
Enhanced capacity for disaster preparedness, response, and awareness at both national and sub-national levels.
Gender-Sensitive Livelihood Diversification
Inclusive livelihood schemes established to improve adaptation to climate change, biodiversity conservation, and disaster resilience—especially for women and vulnerable groups.
Improved Natural Resource Management
Strengthened policies and institutions to promote sustainable use of natural resources, ecosystem services, and biodiversity at community and national levels.
Access to Clean Energy Solutions
Increased household access to environmentally friendly and energy-efficient cooking technologies.
Enabling Environment for Renewable Energy Investment
A more conducive policy and market environment created to support the adoption and scaling of alternative energy sources.

Programme Achievements

Through its Energy and Environment (E&E) Programme, UNDP is supporting the Government of Liberia—via key Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs)—to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable, inclusive development. The programme integrates efforts across climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and eco-tourism to foster low-carbon, climate-resilient growth.

Key Achievements to Date

🌍 Climate Action & Environmental Governance

Hydrological equipment procured and delivered to the Ministry of Mines and Energy to enhance national hydrological data collection.
Endorsement and submission of Liberia’s Project Preparation Grant (PPG) for a US$10 million allocation under the Global Environment Facility’s Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF).
Climate budgeting training conducted for the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) to integrate environmental priorities into national budget planning.

🌱 Sustainable Livelihoods & Gender Empowerment

95 women trained in agribusiness and fish processing in Lofa and Rivercess Counties.
Eco-tourism development initiated with the design and contracting of a women-led eco-guesthouse in Sebehun, Grand Cape Mount County.
County Environmental Action Plans completed for Bomi and Grand Cape Mount Counties.

🔋 Renewable Energy & Clean Cooking

Green Climate Fund (GCF) proposal for the Solar for Health initiative submitted, targeting 288 healthcare facilities with a funding request of US$36 million.
Eco-stove production training provided to 111 women across 7 counties, resulting in the production of 1,110 eco-stoves over three years.
- In 2023 alone, 45 women from Margibi, Bong, and Grand Bassa produced 450 stoves.
- A production center was completed in Gbarpolu County under the Green Gold Liberia initiative.

🔄 Waste Management & WASH

Waste management project launched in 4 urban centers in Lofa County through a CSO partnership.
Three WASH windows established at County Service Centers in Bong, Lofa, and Nimba, with equipment delivered to the WASH Commission.
14 motorbikes procured to support WASH operations.
Multi-stakeholder waste resource recovery platform established to improve coordination and innovation in the waste sector.

🌿 Sustainable Forestry & Energy Access

Africa Minigrid Programme proposal developed and pending validation.
Sustainable charcoal production and energy-efficient cookstove initiatives launched, with 50 participants trained in eco-friendly charcoal-making.
Impact logging model developed and piloted in targeted forest zones, aligned with international best practices.
Communities supported in mapping, inventory, and operational planning for sustainable timber extraction.

Quick Facts

Start date	March 2020
End Date	December 2030
SDG 13	Inclusive Green Growth/Climate Change
Donor	UNDP, Global Environment Facility
Total resources required	USD$ 58, 226, 800,00
Total Resources Allocated
UNDP TRAC	USD$3,760,000
Donor	USD$42, 939,800
Government	USD$ 2, 500,000
Unfunded	USD$9,027,000
Partners	Environment Protection Agency (EPA), RREA, MOA, MIA Society for the Conservation of Nature, Mine and Energy, etc.