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On March 27, 2025, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, conducted an assessment of Tacugama and Tecuyama Falls to strengthen cooperation aimed at protecting the tourism development area in line with the 2025 Year of Ecotourism.
In a critical step toward addressing environmental degradation within the Tourism Development Area (TDA), the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, alongside key stakeholders, conducted a joint assessment visit to Tacugama and the Tecuyama Falls.
The delegation was led by Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, and Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Sao Kpato Max-Kyne, and included senior officials such as Permanent Secretary Edward Kwame Yankson, Director of Tourism Travel and Exchange Programs Mohamed Jalloh, representatives from the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) Tacugama, security personnel, and village heads from Bathurst.
Furthermore, the visit was aimed at assessing the severe impact of deforestation and encroachment on Tecuyama Falls, a crucial source of water supply to surrounding communities.
During the visit, the delegation witnessed the alarming degradation of the falls, which in the past flowed abundantly but have now drastically dried up due to unchecked deforestation. This environmental damage poses a significant threat not only to water security but also to biodiversity, local livelihoods, and the sustainable development of ecotourism in the region.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, both ministries have committed to deepening collaboration in tackling deforestation and illegal encroachment in the TDA. Additional concrete strategies will be developed to strengthen conservation efforts, enhance community engagement, and implement sustainable land management practices to restore and protect these critical natural resources.
This visit marks a pivotal step toward an integrated approach to tourism development and environmental conservation, ensuring that Sierra Leone’s natural heritage is preserved for future generations.
