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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, has taken a major step forward in safeguarding the nation’s natural resources by validating the third generation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 3.0).
The strategy, which will run from 2026 to 2035, was officially launched at Sierra Palms Hotel in Freetown.
The high-profile event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), multiple ministries, departments, and agencies, members of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Climate Change, paramount chiefs, district councils, civil society actors, and members of the media.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Abu-Bakar S. Massaquoi expressed gratitude to government colleagues, local stakeholders, development partners, and the media for their active participation throughout the consultation process. He underscored the importance of capturing local realities to ensure the strategy is both practical and achievable.
Joseph Turay, Sierra Leone’s #CBD Focal Point, explained that NBSAP 3.0 aims to bridge gaps identified in previous strategies by shifting from a project-by-project approach to a more integrated national programme approach. “This strategy promotes better coordination, inclusion, and accountability while aligning costs with both national priorities and global goals,” he said.
Participants emphasized that the strategy’s success will depend on inclusion, adequate financing, strong coordination, and collective efforts to drive behaviour change at all levels.
The validation ceremony concluded with a keynote address from Minister Jiwoh Abdulai, followed by the signing of a Commitment Pact and the official review and endorsement of the NBSAP 3.0 strategy document.
