The National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), in collaboration with Conservation International, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, launched the Sierra Leone Chapter of the Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA), marking a significant step toward strengthening the protection, restoration and sustainable management of the country’s mangrove ecosystems.

The inaugural meeting, held at Family Kingdom in Freetown under the theme “United for Healthy Mangroves, Resilient Communities, Sustainable Future,” brought together government officials, district leaders, conservation practitioners and community representatives from across Sierra Leone.

The event was chaired by Professor Dr. Okonor Williams, who in his opening remarks highlighted concerns about the condition of some mangrove sites in the country. Referring to Aberdeen Creek, he said the area “is nothing to write home about,” and cited Senegal as an example of a country that has made notable progress in mangrove management. He called for stronger local stewardship and improved restoration efforts to safeguard Sierra Leone’s coastal wetlands.

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Delivering the NPAA’s opening statement, Deputy Executive Director Dwight Z. K. Sheriff reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to protecting and restoring mangrove ecosystems nationwide. He emphasized the importance of coordinated national action and stronger partnerships among government institutions, development partners and local communities.

According to Sheriff, mangroves play a critical role in supporting livelihoods, conserving biodiversity and strengthening climate resilience, making their protection a national priority.

Representing Conservation International, the organization’s Financial Director for West and Central Africa, Mathias Okoku, reiterated support for the newly established national chapter. He stressed the need to combine scientific expertise, financial investment and community participation to expand conservation efforts and promote the sustainable use of mangrove resources across Sierra Leone.

 

The meeting also featured a presentation by NPAA Wetlands Manager Madam Yatta Kamara, who provided an overview of the Global Mangrove Alliance, its vision, strategic priorities and guiding principles. She explained how the Sierra Leone Chapter would align national conservation objectives with the Alliance’s broader global agenda.

District and local government representatives used the forum to share concerns and priorities from their respective areas. Contributions were made by Mohamed Mansaray, Chairman of the Kambia District Council; Sorie Gbawuru Sillah, Chief Administrator of the Moyamba District Council; Paramount Chief Alikali Melos Opapa III of Bekeh, Loko; Robert Browne, Deputy Chairman Ward C; Moses Haward, Environmental Officer of the Bonthe District Council; and Kemo Massaquoi, representing the Freetown City Council.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a national chapter communiqué by participating stakeholders, outlining shared commitments toward mangrove protection, restoration and community-based management.

Deputy Minister of the Environment, Hon. Mima Yema Mimi Sobba-Stephens, formally declared the Sierra Leone Chapter of the Global Mangrove Alliance established and called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, development partners and local communities to ensure its success.

Participants said the chapter will prioritize scaling up mangrove restoration initiatives, improving coordination of legal and policy frameworks, strengthening community livelihoods linked to healthy mangrove ecosystems, and mobilizing resources to support long-term conservation efforts.

The launch of the Sierra Leone Chapter of the Global Mangrove Alliance is expected to strengthen national coordination in addressing growing environmental and climate-related pressures on the country’s coastal wetlands while promoting sustainable development and community resilience.