The Gola Rainforest National Park (GRNP) has initiated the distribution of royalty payments to landowners residing in seven Gola Forest communities across the Kenema, Kailahun, and Pujehun districts of Sierra Leone. This noteworthy endeavor by the GRNP reflects its commitment to supporting local communities and preserving the invaluable Gola Rainforest ecosystem.

The GRNP has earmarked a substantial sum of USD56,000, equivalent to one billion one hundred and seventy-six million leones (old note), to be disbursed among landowners in all seven Gola Forest chiefdoms located in the eastern and southern regions of Sierra Leone.

This move comes as a testament to the GRNP’s dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable development. By providing royalties to landowners, the park management seeks to foster a harmonious relationship with local communities while incentivizing their active participation in safeguarding the biodiversity-rich Gola Rainforest.

The Gola Rainforest National Park has long been recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot, home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, some of which are endemic and endangered. Maintaining the integrity of this rainforest not only contributes to the global fight against climate change but also plays a crucial role in preserving the heritage and livelihoods of local communities.

The disbursement of USD56,000 in royalties is poised to have a positive socio-economic impact on the beneficiaries in the Gola Forest chiefdoms. These funds can be instrumental in various community development projects, education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements.

This initiative aligns with Sierra Leone’s commitment to conservation and sustainable resource management, showcasing a model of collaboration between environmental organizations and local communities. It also serves as a reminder of the pivotal role played by protected areas like the Gola Rainforest National Park in safeguarding our planet’s ecological diversity.

As the GRNP continues its efforts to protect the Gola Rainforest, the payment of royalties to landowners emerges as a beacon of hope for both environmental preservation and community prosperity in Sierra Leone’s Gola Forest chiefdoms.