Sierra Leone Joins Other West African Countries to Launch CEBio-Eco/WA in Senegal

Sierra Leone through the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) joined other West African countries in Dakar, Senegal, to launch the Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity and Ecosystems in West Africa (CEBio-Eco/WA), as West Africa progresses with the implementation of the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) Framework to meet the 2030 targets.

The centre’s primary mandate is to promote scientific data collection and strengthen capacities to support policy and decision-making on biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of protected areas in West Africa.

In the past two years, the European Union has funded the Regional Observatory of Biodiversity and Protected Areas (OBAPAO) in West Africa, aimed at increasing access to information needed to promote biodiversity conservation.

The two-day workshop presented key achievements of the biodiversity observatory programme, and delegates discussed plans to scale up activities to create meaningful impacts in the region. The workshop’s key outcomes, besides the official launch of the centre, included the adoption of the centre’s project work plan.

On the other discussion topics, delegates emphasised the need for West African countries to advocate for the signing and ratifying of treaties and conventions, particularly the #BBNJ, protecting sensitive habitats like seagrass beds, and involving local communities in decision-making through protected area management committees.

Delegates also recognised the importance of establishing a network of information specialists on biodiversity and protected areas in West Africa and recommended urgent mechanisms for mobilising financial resources and diversifying funding sources. On the whole, it is interesting to note that the centre of excellence’s work aligns with ongoing initiatives at national and regional levels.

The Agency is expected to benefit significantly from this regional programme through capacity enhancement, experience sharing, and access to vital information needed to support biodiversity conservation policy formulation.