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The Gola Rain Forest Conservation Program has completed the Royalty Payment to Chiefdom Authorities in seven chiefdoms in Sierra Leone .
This is part of their commitment towards environmental conservation and sustainable development. This significant milestone was achieved within a span of three months, from September to November 2023, reaffirming Gola’s dedication to honoring its Benefit Sharing Agreement with its Chiefdom authorities and forest-edge communities.
The payment was done within the seven Gola Chiefdoms ranging from Gaura, Tunkia, Nomo, Koya, Malema, Makpele and Barri Chiefdoms.
The recent payment, amounting to a total of USD75,175, symbolizes the recognition and reward bestowed upon landowners and chiefdom authorities for their indispensable contribution to the conservation efforts within the national park.
Mr. Fomba Amara Kanneh, the esteemed Head of Gola, emphasized that these payments were a strategic measure to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable role played by the forest-edge communities. By willingly allowing their land to be a part of the national park, they have actively discouraged detrimental human activities such as farming, hunting, and mining within the precious rainforest.
The magnitude of this endeavor is even more evident when considering the wide array of beneficiaries involved. A total of 243 landowners each NLe 4,839.51, 39 Section Chiefs each USD125, 7 chiefdom Mammy Queens- each USD150, 122 FEC town chiefs- each USD100, and 7 Chiefdom speakers- each USD150 have received their rightful share as per the agreed-upon terms. This equitable distribution of funds ensures that the positive impact of Gola Rainforest Conservation extends to all key stakeholders within the community.
Furthermore, complementing these royalty payments, Gola Rainforest Conservation LG demonstrates its long-standing commitment to the development and upliftment of the chiefdoms through the Community Development Fund. An annual support of $18,000 is granted to each Chiefdom to implement essential projects focused on community betterment. These projects range from the construction of schools, health facilities, toilet, hand pump water wells and bridges, to providing educational scholarships for the children of the chiefdoms, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
The response from the chiefdoms and their respective authorities has been overwhelmingly positive and promising. The recognition of Gola’s strides in rainforest conservation has nurtured a spirit of collaboration and dedication among the local communities. The chiefdom authorities have made resolute commitments to achieve sustainability in the conservation process, fortifying the prospects of long-term success.
As Gola Rainforest Conservation LG concludes the royalty payments and continues to champion the cause of preserving this remarkable ecosystem, it serves as a remarkable example for other organizations and nations facing similar challenges. The collective efforts invested in safeguarding the Gola Rainforest not only protect a biodiversity hotspot but also uplift local communities and promote a harmonious coexistence with nature
The people of Kenema district deserve all this things before now.