Public-Private-Partnership and Environmental Management in Liberia, Presented by: Washington Waka GEF National Dialogue Initiative & National Environmental Forum of Liberia November 21, 2008

What is Public Private Partnership? Public Private Partnership (PPP) is a model used to encourage public agencies to engage private sector providers in delivering non- core government services, if it is more efficient to do so. Public-Private-Partnership or cooperative environmental governance is a form of devolved environment policy that allows local citizens to negotiate with private-sector investors in a manner that may benefit both. This implies a collaboration between citizens and investors in ways that lower investor’s costs and reduce concerns for local people. Public-Private-Partnership as a framework in which the EPA provides training and awareness and the private sector provides assistance to build the capacity of EPA.

Challenges Facing Private Sector Rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure Cost of modernization Rising cost of power generation Proximity of residential communities to industrial sites Resettlement of local people or the provision of social services to enable expansion Public perception that all levels of discharges and emissions from industrial processes into the environment are harmful to human life. Management of non-industrial wastes (domestic and medical)

How can the EPA partnership with private sector? Awareness programs (workshops, banners, radio and TV ads) on environmental issues. Provision of training opportunities for private sector personnel. Consultation with stakeholders on draft regulations, policies, guidelines and standards. Inclusion of the private sector in the EIA and EMP review process. Dissemination of project information for partnership.

How can the private sector partnership with EPA? Financial or material support for awareness programs Logistical and technical support for capacity building Sharing information on existing technology Adequate and accurate reporting for EPA database Provision of training for EPA personnel where possible Participation in inter-laboratory cross-check.

Benefits of Partnership Increased public awareness Trained personnel in both the public and private sectors EPA and stakeholders are informed about the challenges associated with the environmental management in Liberia. Regulations, guidelines, standards are published after consultations. Reformed public sector; Risk transfer to the private sector; Innovation and best practice resulting in reduced cost; Private providers can meet the public needs effectively;

Suggested PPP Activities Environmental Laboratory Management Medical Waste Management Solid Waste Management Disposal of Hazardous Substances Management of Landfill Sites

PPP Delivery Models BOOT: Build-Own-Operate-Transfer BOT: Build-Own-Transfer BOO: Build-Own-Operate BRT or BLT: Build-Rent/Lease-Transfer

Conclusion Public-Private-Partnership is a win-win-win solution for the EPA, the private sector and members of the public. The EPA came into being in 2003 after many industries had already been established. Some of these industries were not fully designed to address the many challenges of environmental impact. Notwithstanding, these companies must now work over time to comply with the environmental laws, policies, regulations and standards. It is certainly in the long term interest for the private sector to build the capacity of the EPA to enable good working relationship and enhance on-going dialogues and consultations.