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The Government of Sierra Leone has outlined an ambitious four-part plan to protect the country’s environment, as part of the Protect Sierra Leone program.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Abdulai, at the first-ever Forest and Climate Forum in Freetown.
The plan focuses on:
Protecting critical terrestrial biodiversity through integrated landscape management.
Scaling up community forest initiatives.
Sustainably managing marine resources.
Reducing deforestation.
Minister Abdulai emphasized the urgency of conservation efforts, particularly addressing deforestation driven by the need for cooking fuel. “We need to bring affordable alternatives,” he said, underscoring the government’s commitment to sustainable solutions.
The high-profile forum gathered stakeholders from local communities, government, environmental activists, and international organizations, including Conservation International. Daniela Raik, the group’s Executive Vice President, announced that Conservation International will establish a local office in Sierra Leone to strengthen partnerships in achieving environmental goals.
Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh reaffirmed the government’s commitment, citing ongoing initiatives such as Sierra Leone’s first Forest Inventory since 1975 and the development of a sustainable biodiversity financing framework. He stressed that “the future of our forests depends on our ability to manage these resources.”
Supporting Sierra Leone’s conservation efforts, World Bank Country Director, Abdul Muwonge, announced a $60 million project focused on water security at the Western Area Peninsular Park.
Over the next two days, delegates at the forum will engage in discussions to develop strategies for implementing the outlined environmental vision.
