Liberia’s coastlines are facing mounting environmental threats as uncontrolled beach sand mining accelerates erosion and endangers communities. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sounded the alarm, warning that the practice—now spreading from beaches to rivers and wetlands—poses a grave risk to national sustainability.
EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo described sand mining as one of the country’s most pressing environmental challenges. “Liberians, we are using too much sand. We use sand to mold bricks, to cast walls, and to build floors. This excessive consumption is dangerous,” he cautioned.
According to Dr. Yarkpawolo, the unchecked removal of sand contributes to rising sea levels and destabilizes coastal ecosystems. “One area of challenge we are working on with the maritime sector is sand mining. The huge wave of sand extraction is degrading rivers and wetlands. Communities along the St. Paul River and other waterways are already under threat,” he said.
Sand mining in Liberia, particularly along Monrovia’s coastline, has become rampant—often illegal—driven by construction demand and economic survival. While the Ministry of Mines and Energy monitors the activity, enforcement remains difficult. Environmental experts warn that the shift from beaches to rivers and wetlands is compounding the damage, leaving fragile ecosystems vulnerable and threatening livelihoods.
The EPA has emphasized that the consequences extend beyond erosion. Wetlands, which serve as natural buffers against flooding and provide habitats for biodiversity, are being degraded. Once depleted, these ecosystems may take decades to recover, if at all.
In response, the EPA is promoting dirt bricks—also known as mud bricks—as a viable, eco-friendly alternative. Traditionally used in rural Liberia, dirt bricks are made from locally available soil mixed with water and sometimes stabilized with natural agents. They are durable, affordable, and, according to experts, often outlast cement blocks.
Dr. Yarkpawolo underscored the potential of dirt bricks to reduce reliance on sand and cement. “If you mold dirt bricks properly and heat them correctly, they are stronger and more sustainable than sand-based bricks. We need innovators to invest in dirt brick production, which can help communities while protecting the environment,” he said.
The EPA’s recommendation aligns with global sustainability trends. Cement production is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases worldwide, and reducing dependence on cement-based construction materials could significantly lower Liberia’s carbon footprint.
Beyond environmental protection, dirt bricks offer economic advantages. Their production requires minimal investment, creates local jobs, and empowers communities to build affordable housing without depleting natural resources. In regions such as East Africa and desert countries, dirt bricks have already gained traction as a mainstream construction material.
“Many countries in East Africa are using dirt bricks successfully. It is time for Liberia to reduce pressure on sand consumption and embrace this alternative. Dirt bricks are more affordable, less harmful to the environment, and a pathway to sustainable development,” Dr. Yarkpawolo explained.
The Liberian government, through the EPA, is seeking to curb sand mining by promoting dirt brick innovation and encouraging construction practices that prioritize sustainability. Officials argue that without decisive action, the country risks losing critical coastlines and wetlands, undermining both environmental stability and economic resilience.
Dr. Yarkpawolo stressed that the demand for sand, driven by construction, is unsustainable. “In some areas, there is no more sand left. The rivers are degraded, wetlands are threatened, and communities are exposed. We must act now to protect our environment and secure our future,” he said.
The EPA’s warning is both urgent and practical. By shifting to dirt bricks, Liberia can reduce environmental degradation, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and empower communities with cost-effective housing solutions. The challenge, however, lies in changing entrenched construction habits and mobilizing innovators to scale up dirt brick production.
As Liberia grapples with the dual pressures of development and environmental protection, the choice between destructive sand mining and sustainable alternatives may determine the fate of its coastlines for generations to come.
