The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with support from the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) has trained 40 vulnerable and disadvantaged women and youth to produce energy efficient cooking stoves aimed at reducing harmful exposure to pollutants.
At the close of the three-day training exercise held in Monrovia recently, EPA Deputy Executive Director Randall Dobayou presented 50 eco-stoves to the participants to be distributed to households in their respective locales.
The EPA Executive admonished them to raise awareness on the need and benefits of using energy efficient cooking stoves in order to save the country from exposure to noxious waste.
For his part, NAP Project Coordinator Abraham Tumbey said the training is also geared towards building the capacity of the participants to tap into a new source of income and livelihood through the production and sale of eco-stoves.
Tumbey disclosed that the 40 beneficiaries were drawn from five populated cities across the country, including Monrovia, Gbarnga, Buchanan, Kakata and Ganta.
Also speaking at the event, EPA Media and Communication Specialist, Denise L. Dennis, said improved biomass cooking stoves have the potential not only to reduce harmful exposures to pollutants but also reduce emissions of green house gas and prevent forest loss.
In response, the participants thanked EPA and UNDP for building their capacity to produce eco-stoves which, they believe, will help them reduce cost and manage the forest to avoid climatic casualties.
