Content:

1. FNR_RIO 3rd Project Steering Committee Implementation MeetingMarch 13, 2012 Tehran, Islamic Republic of IranEPA- Liberia FNR_ RIO Project Institutional Set-up

2. Content: Institutional set-up Staffing arrangements Needs and Recommendations Financial Expenditure 2010 & 2011 AWP for 2012

3. Institutional Set- up • The Environmental Protection Agency is the National Executing Agency (NEA) for FNR/RIO Project. • The Environmental Protection is the National Focal Point for the three Rio Conventions: (CBD, UNCCD, and UNFCCC). • The EPA implements the FNR_RIO Project in collaboration with other institutions such as: • Forestry Development Authority (FDA), • Liberia Petroleum Marketing Corporation • Liberian Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS) • Ministry of Health and Social Welfare • Ministry of Education, University of Liberia • Ministry of Agriculture • Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance • Ministry of Foreign Affairs, • NGOs, Universities and non –government institutions. These institutions and Organizations are members of the National Steering Committee (NSC).

4. The institutional set-up of the Environmental Protection Agency is as follows: • The Office of the Executive Director – is headed by the Executive Director. • The Office of the Deputy Director- is headed by the Acting Deputy Director. Various departments within the EPA • Department of Administration • Department of Finance • Department of Planning and Policy • Department of Enforcement and Compliance • Department of Inter-sectoral All these departments are headed by Acting Managers. 6. Multilateral Environmental Agreements Division (MEAs) is headed by a Coordinator. The FNR/RIO Project falls under the MEAs Division.

5. Staffing Arrangement The Executive Director of the EPA is the Chair of the National Steering Committee (NSC) and also the GEF Focal Point. The Project implementation team: National Steering Committee (NSC) National Project Coordinator (CBD Focal Point Acting) National Project Assistant (Non –governmental Staff) National Consultant (Governmental Staff) The National Project Team consists of the National Project Assistant and National Consultant . Presently the CBD Focal Point is acting as the National Project Coordinator. The three Rio Conventions Focal Points are actively working with the project team. The project has a small office at the EPA

6. Needs and Recommendations At the national level, there is a need for more Integrated Data and Information Collection, Analysis and Dissemination/Sharing to make the reporting process more efficient and effective. In order to avoid overlapping, duplication and difficulties in the reporting process there is a need to increase capacity building in database management withrelevant stakeholders, focal points, and FNR-RIO project staff on the national reporting process. In view of the above the follow points are some key requirement to the process: • Build the Capacity of relevant personnel in data collection, management and storage through technology training. • Create public awarenessthrough the means of newspapers, radio and television programs. • Create a functional data bank with relevant information necessary for reports on the Rio conventions; • Increase financial support to NPA because she is a non paid government staff and there is no co- financing support.

7. Financial Expenditures for 2010 & 2011 UNEP/GEF/WCMC Funds US$14,535.00 19,968.00 34,503.00 Project implementation Expenditure for 2010 US$19,301.67 US$34,503.00 -19,301.67 15,201.33 BF US$15,201.33 Project implementation Expenditure for 2011 US$13,307.52 US$15,201.33 13,307.52 BF 1,893.81 Project implementation Expenditure for 2012 US$1893.81 UNEP/GEF/WCMC Funds 2200.00 1,893.81 23,893.81

8. The AWP for 2012

9. The AWP for 2012 (cont.)

10. THANK YOU