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The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Sierra Leone has concluded its 2026 planning meeting, outlining key strategic priorities aimed at strengthening the Agency’s credibility and enhancing the delivery of its environmental protection mandate nationwide.
The meeting provided an opportunity for management and staff to review achievements recorded in 2025, while agreeing on practical approaches to deepen and refine interventions under Year Three of the EPA Transformation Strategy (EPATS). Discussions focused on consolidating gains, addressing institutional gaps, and positioning the Agency to respond more effectively to emerging environmental challenges.
Among the key priorities for 2026 is the mobilization of revenue to complete the construction of the EPA’s Freetown headquarters, finalize the Bo regional office, and commence the establishment of a new office in Kenema. These infrastructure projects are expected to improve operational efficiency and expand the Agency’s regional presence.
The EPA also plans to advance Sierra Leone’s climate commitments through the implementation of Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 priorities, including the development of a new pipeline of projects for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Environmental pollution control featured prominently in the 2026 agenda, with commitments to finalize the National Pollutant Inventory, develop a National Plan for Pollution Prevention, and begin work on the country’s first Integrated Chemicals and Waste Management Facility.
In the biodiversity sector, the Agency aims to validate the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), a move expected to accelerate the Biodiversity Finance Strategy and address critical conservation challenges nationwide.
Strengthening Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) monitoring and enforcement was also highlighted, particularly in tackling illegal activities such as unregulated river dredging. The continued rollout of the CEDAS strategy — including the introduction of new digital interfaces and procurement of key equipment — is expected to further modernize EPA operations.
The Agency also underscored the importance of expanding partnerships, while investing more intentionally in staff welfare, capacity building, and institutional resilience.
EPA Sierra Leone said these priorities, alongside other achievements, will be fully captured in its forthcoming 2025 Annual Report. Members of the public are encouraged to engage with the Agency by calling its toll-free line 1999 on any Orange network to share questions, concerns, or suggestions.
