The National Tourism Board (NTB) has called for increased domestic funding to sustain Sierra Leone’s tourism sector and address critical challenges, including the destruction of the culturally and ecologically significant Lake Sonfon.

Speaking during the Sub-Appropriation hearing for the 2024 budget at the Parliament building in Freetown, NTB Director Fatmata Carew outlined the dire funding constraints faced by the board following the conclusion of the Sierra Leone Diversification Project in 2021. Carew emphasized the urgent need for financial support to preserve vital touristic programs and promote national growth through sustainable tourism.

A key issue raised was the degradation of Lake Sonfon, located in the Diang Chiefdom, Koinadugu District. Illegal mining activities, reportedly involving foreign operators, including Chinese entities, have significantly impacted the lake, threatening its cultural and environmental value. Carew urged the government to act swiftly, highlighting the lake’s importance as a heritage site and a potential driver for tourism.

Lake Sonfon, 850 meters above sea level and 350 kilometers northeast of Freetown, is a prominent feature of Sierra Leone’s Northern Province. Surrounded by hills, savannas, and forests, it is fed by small streams and expands during the rainy season. The lake plays a critical role in local cultural traditions and serves as a habitat for diverse wildlife, including 115 bird species recorded in an Important Bird Area survey and the threatened Savanna Buffalo.

The region also supports nearby communities through essential infrastructure, including roads, health centers, and gravity-fed water systems. However, the lake’s ecological integrity is at risk, threatening its potential to attract eco-tourism and support sustainable economic growth.

“The destruction of Lake Sonfon is not just an environmental crisis; it is a cultural and economic loss for Sierra Leone,” Carew said. She appealed to the government to allocate resources for the protection and development of Lake Sonfon and similar sites, emphasizing their significance for both heritage preservation and tourism revenue generation.

The NTB’s plea underscores the broader challenges facing Sierra Leone’s tourism sector, with stakeholders advocating for robust government support to safeguard the country’s natural and cultural assets.