The Freetown City Council (FCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to building a greener and more climate-resilient city through its flagship #FreetownTheTreeTown initiative.

During a press conference and media tour held this week, FCC officials led journalists to two key restoration sites Catchment 3A at the Fourah Bay College (FBC) Botanical Area and Catchment 2B in Kollehtown to showcase progress made in urban reforestation and ecosystem recovery.

The media tour formed part of FCC’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency and engage the public on environmental interventions aimed at combating deforestation, soil erosion, and urban flooding. The #FreetownTheTreeTown project, launched under the leadership of Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, seeks to plant and grow one million trees across Freetown to improve air quality, stabilize hillsides, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

At the FBC Botanical Area, the Council highlighted community-led tree planting and maintenance efforts to restore degraded catchments. The site, known for its ecological significance, is one of several catchment areas being rehabilitated to protect water sources and prevent landslides during the rainy season.

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The second stop at Kollehtown (Catchment 2B) showcased strong local participation in maintaining newly planted trees, along with the use of innovative digital monitoring tools. Through the project’s tree-tracking app, residents and community groups are able to record the growth and survival rates of trees, ensuring accountability, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

Speaking at the event, FCC representatives emphasized that building environmental resilience requires collective action from government institutions, communities, and development partners.

“The #FreetownTheTreeTown project is not just about planting trees; it’s about transforming how we live with nature in our city,” an FCC spokesperson said. “We’re restoring our green spaces, reducing flood risks, and improving the overall well-being of Freetown residents.”

The initiative also contributes to the city’s broader Transform Freetown agenda, which prioritizes sustainable urban planning, waste management, and climate adaptation. Through strategic partnerships with local communities, the private sector, and international organizations, the project has already planted hundreds of thousands of trees many of which are thriving across key catchment areas.

Residents in the visited communities commended the Council’s efforts, noting that the project has reduced flood incidents and improved soil stability in previously vulnerable zones. Environmental activists who joined the tour praised the initiative as a model for urban sustainability in Sierra Leone and beyond.

In a statement, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr reiterated the FCC’s determination to make Freetown a cleaner, greener, and safer city for future generations.

“Every tree we plant represents hope for a more sustainable Freetown,” she noted. “Through #FreetownTheTreeTown, we are not only tackling the effects of climate change but also empowering communities to take ownership of their environment.”

The #FreetownTheTreeTown project continues to attract both national and international attention as an innovative and results-driven approach to urban climate resilience, setting a strong example for other African cities striving toward environmental sustainability.