Delivered by Programme Manager Moses Massah

All protocols observed  

On behalf of UNDP, let me acknowledge the Environmental Protection Agency for its leadership in organizing the eco-stove training and production program for environmental planning and management.

We say thanks also to Mr. Morris Dougba and his team from Green Gold Liberia for conducting the eco-stove training and production for 40 women who are graduating today.

The training is important for the successful implementation of Liberia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and the focus of the training on women is very strategic and in the right direction.

Liberia’s NDC has a target of producing 300,000 eco-stoves or energy efficient cook-stoves by 2030 and the training of 40 women today is a started point for contributing to the achievement of this target. We can only succeed in meeting this target if everyone plays a part.

Eco-stoves or energy efficient cook stoves are very important for environmental management as well as promoting safety and health in the kitchen where women dominate.

Energy efficient cook stoves are important to reduce the quantity of wood and or charcoal used for cooking and heating; allow for a safe cooking environment; promote good health in the kitchen with  less smoke and reduce impact on eyes and lungs as well as save money which could be used for other things.

I am extremely delighted to participate in the graduation ceremony, which comes at a time when Liberia just a week ago submitted its updated NDC.

On June 5 this year, the UN launched the “UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration” (2021 to 2030). The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent.

The use of energy efficient cook stoves, which has the potential to reduce the demand for charcoal and firewood, will significantly help to halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems.

We all depend on healthy ecosystems for our survival. Ecosystems are defined as the interaction between living organisms - plants, animals, people - with their surroundings. This includes nature, but also human-made systems such as cities or farms.

Ecosystem restoration is a global undertaking at a massive scale. It means repairing billions of hectares of land so that people have access to food, clean water and jobs.

It means bringing back plants and animals from the brink of extinction, from the peaks of mountains to the depths of the sea.

But it also includes the many small actions everyone can take, every day: growing trees, producing and using energy efficient cook-stoves, etc.

Restoring ecosystems carries substantial benefits for people. Restoration also creates jobs in rural areas where people need them the most.

What is expected of you after the graduation today?

Now that you have divided into five groups, we are pleased to inform you that the EPA and UNDP have agreed to give each group 20 eco-stoves. The stoves will be sold by each group and proceeds used as a start-up capital for engagement in eco-stove production and sales in your communities.

The five groups will serve as ambassadors and sales agents for Green Gold Liberia products in your communities.

I am happy to know that Green Gold Liberia intends to turn the groups into community-based enterprises.

As our survival depends on healthy ecosystems, everyone needs to be part of the drive for ecosystem restoration at all times. One of the ways is what you have been trained to do. If you do it well, you will significantly contribute to the achievement of Liberia’s NDC target for producing 300,000 cook stoves and reducing deforestation.

To our graduates, I want to conclude by emphasizing the need for you not to sit on this training.

UNDP, EPA and Green Gold Liberia stand ready to support you. You will be making small profit on each of the 20 stoves product you sell.

We have no choice but to take drastic actions to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems or we will have a hard price to pay.

Ecosystem restoration activities can help end poverty, combat climate change and prevent extinction. We will only succeed if everyone plays a part.

I thank you!