EPA Launches Inception Workshop for Biennial Transparency Report to UN Climate Convention

The Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone has held an inception workshop for Sierra Leone’s Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) process to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at the Family Kingdom Resort.

In alignment with the Paris Agreement, parties to the convention are required to prepare and submit Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) every two years, including a national greenhouse gas inventory.

The BTRs are essential national documents submitted to the UNFCCC that provide information on national inventory reports (NIR), progress towards Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), policies and measures, climate change impacts and adaptation efforts, levels of financial and technological support, capacity-building needs, and areas for improvement.

With support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the EPA and its supervising ministry launched the process to guide the preparation of Sierra Leone’s first BTR, due in December.

In his keynote address, Executive Chairman Dr. Abu-Bakar S. Massaquoi described the workshop as a vital opportunity for Sierra Leone to showcase its dedication to climate action. He emphasized that the report must accurately reflect the nation’s climate achievements over the past two years.

The BTR will highlight Sierra Leone’s progress on the international stage, aligning with key Paris Agreement commitments, including transparency, climate finance, capacity-building, and the global stocktake.

Dr Massaquoi encouraged participants to actively contribute throughout the development process, as input from various sectors is critical to ensuring the BTR truly represents Sierra Leone’s climate efforts and commitment to global action.

Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Madam Mimi Sobba-Stephens, highlighted the importance of this initiative in fulfilling both national and international climate obligations under the UNFCCC, the Paris Agreement, and national development goals. She noted that by providing transparent and reliable data, the BTR builds trust and fosters international cooperation.

This BTR will include a national inventory and will replace the previous Biennial Update Reports (BURs).
Madam Sobba-Stephens concluded by expressing gratitude to the GEF, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and all participants for their role in reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to building a greener, more resilient future.