On August 24, 2024, thousands of residents across Sierra Leone participated in a nationwide campaign to promote the “Freetown the Tree-Town” initiative, spearheaded by the Freetown City Council.

The ambitious program, led by environmental advocate Manja Kargbo, aims to restore millions of trees lost to urban development over the past 50 years and safeguard the environment for future generations.

Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, has experienced rapid population growth in recent decades, leading to significant deforestation as urban areas expand. The loss of trees has exacerbated the city’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, including stronger storms and heavier rainfall. The “Freetown the Tree-Town” initiative seeks to address this issue by reintroducing greenery into the cityscape and raising public awareness about the importance of trees in mitigating climate-related risks.

The initiative, which targets the planting of one million trees by the end of 2024, has garnered strong community support. Local residents are actively engaged in the reforestation efforts, with many being paid to plant and monitor trees and mangroves. The progress of the tree-planting efforts is meticulously tracked through an online platform, which has reported an impressive tree survival rate of over 80%.

By combining urban development with environmental conservation, the Freetown City Council hopes to create a sustainable model for other cities facing similar challenges with deforestation. The success of the “Freetown the Tree-Town” initiative not only offers hope for Sierra Leone but also provides a blueprint for global efforts to balance urbanization with environmental stewardship.