Post a comment 
The National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sierra Leone held a strategic meeting on Monday, 23rd February 2026, to discuss biodiversity financing, digital monitoring systems, and institutional capacity challenges within the protected area sector.
The meeting brought together NPAA’s new Executive Director, Sheikh Ahmed Tunis, and senior management, alongside UNDP officials, including Deputy Resident Representative Kelvin Petrini. Discussions focused on reform efforts at NPAA as well as concerns over performance and accountability.
NPAA outlined plans to modernize its monitoring systems, noting that its current forest map is static and limited in scope. Management said the goal is to move toward a real-time forest change monitoring system supported by improved GIS infrastructure.
However, the Authority disclosed significant operational constraints, including only two functional computers at headquarters, two official vehicles assigned to rangers, and no internet connectivity. Senior officials reportedly rely on personal vehicles for field operations.
UNDP welcomed the reform direction but raised accountability concerns. Officials noted that NPAA was the last institution to submit required documentation in the previous funding cycle, which delayed disbursement to partners. Under UNDP financial procedures, 80 percent of funds must be liquidated before a new tranche is released.
Joint monitoring findings were also discussed, including reports of ongoing destruction inside the Western Area Peninsular National Park. Concerns were raised about rangers allegedly remaining at pay points instead of deploying to core protected zones, as well as claims of collusion between some game guards and surrounding communities. UNDP officials called for stronger enforcement standards and a shift toward professional conservation practices.
The meeting further reviewed ongoing initiatives, including the BIOFIN programme’s policy and institutional review, a submitted Global Biodiversity Framework Fund concept, and preparations for a mid-term evaluation of the Western Area Peninsula project. A stakeholder engagement on the proposed Canopy Walk is also expected in the coming weeks.
Both sides agreed on the need for improved coordination, clearer performance benchmarks and strengthened oversight as discussions on future collaboration continue.
