PAYNESVILLE CITY, LIBERIA-A local environmental organization, Champions for Nature Conservation Liberia, has launched a plastic waste management project to reduce pollution and promote environmental sustainability in Liberia.

 The initiative focuses on transforming plastic waste into valuable products under a “trash to treasure” approach, creating both environmental and economic benefits for communities.

The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility, through its Small Grants Programme, and seeks to address the growing challenge of plastic pollution affecting waterways, communities, and ecosystems across the country.

Stakeholders at the launch on Tuesday, April 22, 2026, in Paynesville City, emphasized that the initiative will promote sustainable waste management practices, while creating livelihood opportunities, particularly for women and young people.

The project is expected to strengthen community engagement and contribute to Liberia’s broader environmental protection and sustainable development efforts.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting environmental sustainability initiatives in Liberia.

Also speaking, UNDP Programme Analyst, Michael Vamah, described plastic pollution as a serious environmental challenge facing the country.

Vamah noted that the project is both timely and necessary, as it seeks to reduce plastic waste through value addition, while promoting sustainable waste management practices.

He added that the initiative will help empower communities by providing skills and economic opportunities, especially for women and young people.

The UNDP Representative also called for continued collaboration and innovation to address plastic pollution and protect the environment for future generations.

 At the same time, Champions for Nature Conservation Liberia, Executive Director, Moses Massah, has called for accountability in the implementation of the plastic waste management project.

He said,” The six-month project aims to collect 480 metric tons of plastic across eight communities, and two buying stations have been established to support the effort”.

Director Massah warned that poor management could lead to loss of donor support or blacklisting, adding that transparency is critical to sustaining funding.

He also stressed the need for inclusive participation, urging women, youth, and persons with disabilities to take part in the initiative.

Meanwhile, the Paynesville City Corporation (PCC) has welcomed the launch of the new plastic waste management initiative to reduce pollution across communities in the city.

PCC Director of Commercial Solid Waste, Romeo Coker, described the project as a timely intervention to address the growing waste crisis.

Coker noted that plastic waste accounts for about 14 percent of the total waste generated in the city, highlighting the scale of the problem, especially in marketplaces.

He said,” The initiative, which focuses on community-based plastic collection and recycling, will help ease the burden on city authorities, while promoting cleaner neighborhoods”.

The PCC Director of Commercial Solid Waste Coker assured organizers of the Corporation’s full support to work with partners to tackle waste management challenges and improve environmental conditions.