Paris, France – July 14, 2025 –
In a landmark moment for Sierra Leone’s environmental and cultural legacy, the country has officially secured its first-ever UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.
The Gola-Tiwai Complex, celebrated for its exceptional biodiversity and cultural heritage, was formally inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage List during the World Heritage Committee’s recent session in Paris.
Located within the globally significant Upper Guinea Ecosystem, the Gola-Tiwai Complex is one of the few remaining tracts of primary forest in West Africa. The site is internationally recognised as a critical refuge for endangered species, including the pygmy hippopotamus, the western chimpanzee, and the white-necked picathartes. It also hosts hundreds of unique plants, birds, and insect species, underscoring its value to global conservation efforts.
This milestone reflects the Sierra Leonean government’s increasing leadership in climate action, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development. President Julius Maada Bio’s administration has prioritised environmental stewardship as part of the nation’s broader agenda for sustainable growth, positioning Sierra Leone as a regional leader in conservation efforts.
Attending the official announcement were key government figures and conservation partners, including Hon. Jiwoh E. Abdulai, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change; Madam Margaret Jah-Matturi, Permanent Delegate to UNESCO; and Mr. Tommy Garnett, Executive Director of the Environmental Foundation for Africa (EFA), who has championed the protection of the Gola-Tiwai landscape for over two decades.
Speaking to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, Minister Abdulai remarked:
“The inscription of the Gola-Tiwai Complex as Sierra Leone’s first World Heritage Site is a proud achievement for our country. It celebrates the outstanding universal value of our natural heritage and reaffirms our commitment to conservation, international cooperation, and sustainable development.”
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Nabeela Tunis, highlighted the significance for Sierra Leone’s tourism sector:
“This designation strengthens our 2025 Year of Ecotourism campaign and confirms the deep cultural connection between our people and our environment. It opens exciting opportunities for community-based tourism, cultural preservation, and sustainable livelihoods. Tourism is everybody’s business in Sierra Leone.”
Mr. Tommy Garnett, who has led efforts through the EFA and the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, described the recognition as a victory for conservation in Africa:
“This is a great day for Sierra Leone, for Africa, and for all who believe in the protection of our planet’s biodiversity. This achievement reflects the dedication of our communities, the leadership of the Government of Sierra Leone, and the unwavering support from our partners.”
Acknowledging partners such as Njala University, the Gola Rainforest National Park, the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, GEF, EU, Irish Aid, ERM Foundation, and others, Garnett praised their long-term commitment to safeguarding the area.
The World Heritage designation is expected to boost eco-tourism, create jobs, attract investment, and enhance opportunities for conservation research and international collaboration. The next steps include the finalisation of a comprehensive management plan and deeper integration of the site into UNESCO’s global frameworks to ensure its protection for future generations.
This achievement is more than a national victory—it marks Sierra Leone’s rise as a key voice in global conservation and sustainable development.