By: Kadiatu Samura.
The Conservation Society of Sierra Leone, CSSL, held a press conference on Friday 12 June 2026 at the Western Area Rural District Council Hall in Waterloo to celebrate World Environment Day 2026. This year’s global theme was “Inspired by Nature For Climate For Our Future”.
The program opened with prayer, followed by Mariama Kargbo from the EE Office of CSSL. She explained that World Environment Day, celebrated globally on June 5, is a day CSSL uses to raise awareness. She stressed that climate and weather patterns are changing, and highlighted CSSL’s focus on children, calling them the future leaders of tomorrow
Edward Momodu Sesay, Head of Program at CSSL, gave the main presentation on environmental issues and climate change. He noted that CSSL has worked on plants and wildlife since 1986. His key message: human actions affect the environment, and changing our attitude can protect our future.
He warned that deforestation is disrupting rainfall patterns. “The time we expect rain, it will not come, and the time we expect sun, it will not come. It affects farming,” he said. He urged people to use natural resources sustainably — “use some, leave some” — so future generations can benefit. Tree planting, he said, is critical because cutting trees reduces rainfall.
Mrs Nana Jalloh Conteh, speaking for the Western Area District Council, welcomed participants to the symposium on climate change and vulnerable communities. She said climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a present reality affecting forests and public health.
She commended CSSL for involving students, adults, clubs and communities in the dialogue, saying youth involvement is vital to safeguarding the future. She called for commitment to practical solutions: better waste management, more tree planting, and stronger community engagement to turn awareness into action.
Livelihoods & Public Health”
Emurana Sowa, Project Manager, spoke on how climate change affects livelihoods, food security and public health. He said human activities like car emissions and poor construction cause climate change. Using flooding as an example, he noted that building where water should pass creates disasters. “We are the problem and we also have the solution. To prevent disaster, we need to have respect for our environment,” he stated.
The program ended with Abdul Kappr Dumbuya dividing participants into three groups to share community experiences and identify practical actions they could put into practice locally.