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The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the World Bank-funded Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), has engaged residents of Bureh Town in a community meeting to discuss the ongoing tourism development initiatives and the newly developed Tourism Community Development Fund (TCDF) Manual.
The engagement forms part of the Ministry’s drive to promote inclusive, community-led, and sustainable tourism across Sierra Leone.
The Tourism Community Development Fund is a locally managed mechanism aimed at channeling tourism-generated revenues into community projects. Its core goal is to ensure that host communities benefit directly from tourism investments. At Bureh Beach, the Ministry, through SLEDP, is constructing a Surf Club and other leisure facilities to boost tourism, create jobs, and generate income for locals.
In her remarks, Headwoman of Bureh Village, Danielle Grace, expressed appreciation to the Ministry for what she described as a “transformative initiative,” assuring that the community would give its full support to the project’s success.
Presenting the Tourism Community Development Fund Manual, Prince Gaima, Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project Tourism Specialist, explained that the document serves as a framework for managing community-based tourism resources. He disclosed that Bureh will be the first community to benefit from the Fund, with 5% of profits from the tourism facilities to be allocated directly to community development. A local committee comprising community members will also be set up to oversee fund management.
The meeting concluded with discussions centered on community responsibilities, transparency, accountability, and collaboration with key principles underpinning the Fund.
The engagement reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to making tourism a driver of local economic growth, employment, and sustainable development in Bureh and other destination communities nationwide.
