Sierra Leone Government Unveils Ambitious Plan to Protect Its Forest And Climate

During the National Forest and Climate Forum engagement, organized by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Government of Sierra Leone announced bold and ambitious plans to protect the country’s environment.

Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Abdulai laid out the four-part plan at the first-ever Forest and Climate Forum conference held in Freetown.

The plan is part of a broader vision under the Protect Sierra Leone program. The plan has detailed elements like to; Protect the most critical terrestrial biodiversity through integrated landscapes, scaling up community forests, sustainably managing the country’s marine resources, and Reducing deforestation.

“We want to protect it (environment) because it is in our best interest. Protection of natural resources is vital for our survival,” Minister Abdulai said.

Minister Abdulai also added, “We have to address the underlying need for deforestation, which is cooking fuel. We need to bring affordable alternatives.”

World Bank Country Director, Abdul Muwonge also announced big environmental projects, to support the country’s drive for environmental protection. One of the projects is a $60 million program that will focus on water security at the Western Area Peninsular Park.

Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the environment while making a positive case for how much the government has done so far.

“Our forests are under threat. The future of our forests depends on our ability to manage these resources. The challenges posed by climate change are significant,” Vice President Jalloh said.

As part of the actions the government is taking, VP Jalloh said Siera Leone is getting ready for Forest Inventory for the first time since 1975. He said the country is also working on a sustainable biodiversity financing framework.

As stakeholders await the government’s official communique, the forum has set the stage for bold, coordinated efforts to protect Sierra Leone’s forests, secure water resources, and combat climate change for future generations.