Champions for Nature Conservation Liberia (CNCL) has graduated 20 young people from its first cohort of the Youth Innovative Plastic Waste Management Training. The graduation ceremony was held at the University Innovation Pod (UniPod) at the University of Liberia’s Fendell Campus. The four-month training equipped the youths with skills in recycling, upcycling, waste management, and environmental entrepreneurship.
The training was implemented under CNCL’s “From Trash to Treasure: Community-Based Plastic Waste Management and Circular Economy in Liberia” project. The project is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme. CNCL Executive Director, Moses A. Massah, said the initiative seeks to address plastic pollution, particularly in urban communities.
Massah stated that the project promotes a “reduce, reuse, recycle and recover” approach while creating opportunities for young people, women, waste collectors, and small businesses. The overall goal of the project is to transform plastic waste from an environmental problem into an opportunity for cleaner communities, green employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development in Liberia.
CNCL established community-based plastic collection systems, including collection points and two buying stations. The organization also supported the development of small plastic recycling enterprises. Four student groups participated in practical activities, with two emerging as the leading groups. These groups are expected to receive further support to establish small waste management enterprises.
Keynote speaker and former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Executive Director Nathaniel Blama urged the graduates to turn environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. Blama encouraged the graduates to solve environmental problems and called for stronger policies to minimize single-use plastics.
UNDP Program Analyst Michael Vawah encouraged the graduates to apply their skills in their communities and develop businesses around plastic waste. Vawah said plastic waste should not only be viewed as a problem but also as a resource with the right skills, technology, and entrepreneurial mindset.
The project is expected to conclude at the end of September, with CNCL pledging continued support for the graduates and participating communities. The initiative aims to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly waste management system in Liberia.
Key points
- CNCL graduates 20 youths in plastic waste management training
- Project promotes a "reduce, reuse, recycle and recover" approach
- Graduates to establish small waste management enterprises
