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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Sierra Leone officially launched the inaugural Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) conference on Wednesday, 26th March, 2024, convened by Executive Chairman Dr. Abu-Bakar S. Massaquoi.
The two-day event, which began on 26th March, and was scheduled to end on Thursday, 27th March 2024, took place at the New Brookfields Hotel. The event aimed to foster partnerships that align with the EPA’s strategic objectives for 2025 and beyond.
The conference, which brought together government officials, partners, and sponsors, focuses on establishing synergies to strengthen the agency’s programs. Participants were encouraged to discuss achievements, share evaluations, and collaborate effectively to meet the EPA’s goals.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Massaquoi highlighted the agency’s significant success in mobilizing funds, including a Hundred and Forty-Eight Billion Leones within the past year. He expressed gratitude for the dedicated efforts of the agency’s members, noting that the accomplishment exceeded their targets by Sixty-Six Billion Leones.
Keynote speaker Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh spoke on the theme “Collaboration Amid Complexity: Partnerships as the Pillar of Environmental Progress.” He highlighted the urgent need for environmental protection and sustainable practices in light of human-induced climate change. Dr. Sengeh pointed out the detrimental effects of activities like deforestation and dredge mining on Sierra Leone’s economy, communities, and natural resources.
Throughout the conference, various formats, such as speeches, panel discussions, and videos, emphasized the need for collective action in environmental stewardship and effective governance. Attendees discussed the importance of utilizing funds wisely and implementing behavioral changes to support environmental initiatives.
The event aimed to deepen relationships among both domestic and international stakeholders, promoting long-term collaboration and alignment with the EPA’s priorities for sustainable development.
As the conference unfolds, the Environment Protection Agency expressed commitment to engaging various sectors to enhance environmental governance in Sierra Leone.
