The Government of Sierra Leone has unveiled an ambitious and comprehensive plan aimed at protecting the country’s environment and mitigating the effects of climate change. Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Abdulai, outlined the four-part strategy during the inaugural Forest and Climate Forum conference in Freetown, marking a significant step in Sierra Leone’s commitment to environmental conservation.
The plan, which falls under the broader Protect Sierra Leone program, focuses on several key areas: safeguarding critical terrestrial biodiversity through integrated landscape management, expanding community forests, ensuring the sustainable management of marine resources, and tackling deforestation. These efforts reflect a growing recognition of the importance of preserving the nation’s natural heritage and addressing environmental challenges that threaten both ecosystems and livelihoods.
Minister Abdulai emphasized that environmental protection is not merely an obligation, but a necessity for national survival. “We want to protect it because it is in our best interest. Protection of natural resources is vital for our survival,” he stated. One of the most pressing concerns addressed in his speech was deforestation, which has been exacerbated by the widespread reliance on wood and charcoal as cooking fuel. He acknowledged the need to provide affordable and sustainable alternatives to reduce the country’s dependency on forest resources.
The conference, hailed as the most high-profile and inclusive environmental gathering in Sierra Leone in decades, brought together key stakeholders, including local communities, government officials, environmental activists, and international conservation organizations. One of the notable international participants was Conservation International, a leading environmental NGO committed to protecting nature and combating climate change.
Daniela Raik, Executive Vice President of Conservation International, reaffirmed the organization’s support for Sierra Leone’s environmental goals and expressed a strong commitment to deeper collaboration. “We are here today because we believe in the power of collaboration, innovation, and, critically, action,” she declared. As a testament to this commitment, she announced that for the first time, Conservation International will establish a local office in Sierra Leone, allowing for a more hands-on approach in working with local communities and stakeholders.
Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, underscored the government’s unwavering dedication to environmental protection. He acknowledged the significant challenges posed by climate change and deforestation, stressing that the future of Sierra Leone’s forests depends on the nation’s ability to manage its natural resources effectively. “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,” he said.
To further demonstrate the government’s commitment, Vice President Jalloh announced that Sierra Leone is preparing to conduct its first Forest Inventory since 1975. This initiative will provide crucial data on the country’s forest cover and guide future conservation efforts. Additionally, he highlighted the ongoing development of a sustainable biodiversity financing framework, which will help secure long-term funding for conservation initiatives and ensure that environmental protection remains a national priority.
The event also saw significant commitments from the World Bank, with Country Director, Abdul Muwonge, unveiling a series of large-scale environmental projects designed to support Sierra Leone’s conservation efforts. Among these initiatives is a $60 million program aimed at improving water security in the Western Area Peninsula Park, a crucial natural resource that provides drinking water to a large portion of the population.
Over the next two days, conference delegates will participate in intensive discussions, breaking into specialized groups to develop actionable strategies for achieving the ambitious environmental goals outlined. These sessions will focus on practical solutions for protecting biodiversity, expanding community-led conservation efforts, enhancing marine resource management, and promoting sustainable alternatives to deforestation-driven fuel consumption.
The Forest and Climate Forum represents a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s environmental journey. With strong commitments from both local and international stakeholders, the country is positioning itself as a leader in conservation efforts in West Africa. As discussions progress and plans take shape, the success of these initiatives will depend on sustained collaboration, investment, and a shared determination to protect Sierra Leone’s rich and diverse natural environment for future generations.