By Alimamy Sahid Conteh,
Final year student at Fourah Bay College
In this article, we will delve into the world of conservation and explore the importance of preserving our natural heritage. Conservation is not just a buzzword; it is a crucial endeavor that aligns perfectly with the goals and objectives of our club in Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone is home to a vast array of tropical habitats, ranging from coastal mangroves to mountain rainforests. This diversity supports approximately 147 known species of wild mammals, 172 known breeding bird species, 67 known reptile species, 35 known amphibian species, 750 species of butterflies including one of the largest butterflies, the African Swallowtail, whose wingspan can be up to 25, and 99 known species of fish within Sierra Leone. Members of the fourteen orders of placental mammals inhabit Sierra Leone. There are 3 species of wild pig that are found across the country: the warthog, the giant forest hog and the red river hog. Sierra Leone has 15 identified species of primates that include bush babies, monkeys and the Western Chimpanzee, which is Sierra Leone’s largest primate. The country is also blessed with a plethora of plant and fish species, many of which are endemic to our country. So, let’s dive in and discover the significance of conservation, its impact on ecosystems, and the actions we can take to contribute to this critical cause.
Conservation can be defined as the protection, preservation, and sustainable management of our natural resources. It encompasses everything from land and water to plants and animals. At its core, conservation aims to maintain the delicate balance of ecosystems and ensure the long-term survival of species and habitats that make up our rich biodiversity. Conservation aims to maintain ecosystems like our coastal mangroves, which nurture fish populations vital to artisanal fishermen, and forests inhabited by chimpanzees, monkeys and rare plants found nowhere else. It also protects species such as leatherback turtles that nest along the shores of Sierra Leone. Conservation efforts are important because they promote and protect biodiversity, offer sustainable alternative livelihoods, medicinal resources, ecological balance and offer climate change mitigation.
Many communities in Sierra Leone depend directly on natural resources for their livelihoods, including agriculture, fishing, and eco-tourism. Communities like Tombo and Goderich in the Western district, considered as two artisanal fishing communities, the Kailahun district having the highest concentration of agricultural households in Sierra Leone, with 5.9% of households, Tonkolili district, Bombali and Kenema districts having the highest production of vegetation cultivation. Preserving biodiversity ensures the sustainability of these livelihoods for current and future generations. Additionally, medicinal properties found in the forest, like Pobeguinii; used to treat malaria, or Kalanchoe prolifera; used to treat coughs, proves that there can be further work done to contribute to the development of new pharmaceuticals and traditional medicines.
Ecosystems are intricate webs of interconnected species and natural processes. Sierra Leone’s ecosystem consists of variety of plant and animal species like Chimpanzees, Pygmy Hippo, African forest Elephant, rainforests, savannas, swamps and bush clock vine. These plethora of plant and animal species are interconnected through complex ecological relationships. These species ensure resilience against environmental changes and disturbances, and by conserving them, ecosystems are better able to withstand pressure such as climate change, invasive species, and disease outbreaks, thereby maintaining stability over time. Also, the biodiversity is deeply intertwined with the cultural identity and spiritual beliefs of many indigenous communities. Conservation efforts help preserve traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and sacred sites associated with nature, fostering a sense of connection and stewardship. Disrupting this delicate balance and relationships by losing species through habitat destruction or overexploitation can have far-reaching consequences and cascading effects on the entire ecosystem, leading to imbalances and instability. Climate change has been a thorn disrupting the growth and development of communities and nations. The impacts are severe, and that is why conservation plays a significant role in the fight against climate change. Sierra Leone’s forests are important caron sinks, absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Conservation efforts aimed at protecting and restoring forest ecosystems help enhance carbon sequestration, mitigating the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
One of the primary challenges facing conservation efforts in Sierra Leone is the limited availability of financial and human resources. Government budgets for conservation are often inadequate, and external funding sources may be inconsistent or insufficient to meet the needs of conservation projects. This lack of resources hampers the implementation of effective conservation strategies.
Poverty and unsustainable livelihood practices pose significant challenges to conservation in Sierra Leone. Many communities rely on natural resources for their survival and livelihoods, leading to overexploitation of forests, wildfire and other ecosystems. Poverty-driven activities such as illegal logging, bushmeat hunting, and unsustainable agriculture, contribute to habitat destruction, species decline, and ecosystem degradation. Addressing poverty and providing alternative income-generating opportunities are essential for reducing pressure on natural resources and promoting sustainable conservation practices that benefit both people and the environment.
Sierra Leone faces challenges related to weak institutional capacity and governance structures for conservation management. Government agencies responsible for conservation often lack sufficient staff, technical expertise, and coordination mechanisms to effectively implement and enforce conservation policies and regulations. Additionally, corruption, bureaucracy, and inadequate legal frameworks undermine efforts to combat illegal activities, such as wildlife trafficking and habitat destruction. Strengthening institutional capacity through improved training, governance reforms, and anti-corruption measures is critical for enhancing the effectiveness and legitimacy of conservation efforts in Sierra Leone. Implementing strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts such as community-based conservation initiatives, habitat restoration, and compensation schemes is essential for fostering coexistence and ensuring the protection of both human livelihoods and wildlife populations.
Climate change poses significant challenges to conservation efforts in Sierra Leone exacerbating existing threats to biodiversity and ecosystems. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events can disrupt habitats, alter species distribution, and increase the vulnerability of wildlife and ecosystems to stressors such as habitats loss, disease and invasive species. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise and coastal erosion, threatening valuable ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs. Addressing the impact of climate change and conservation requires integrating adaptation strategies, ecosystem-based approaches and international cooperation to build resilience and mitigate the effects of climate-related stressors on Sierra Leone’s biodiversity and natural resources.
Community-based approaches respecting indigenous rights are especially important here. For example, involving local fishermen in mangrove restoration empowers youth while sustainably managing resources integrate to their livelihoods. Here are conservation strategies Sierra Leone should adapt:
Expand protected areas – Sierra Leone has a network of national parks and reserves, but more high-biodiversity areas require formal protection status to curb threats. Community-managed reserves could also protect sacred forests. Expanding the network of protected areas, including national parks, nature reserves and wildfire sanctuaries, helps safeguard critical habitats and species while providing opportunities for eco-tourism and nature-based recreation.
While hunting bans exist, illegal wildfire trade undermines conservation. Therefore, effective enforcement of wildfire laws and regulations is essential for combating illegal activities such as poaching, illegal logging and wildfire trafficking, which threaten biodiversity and ecosystem integrity in Sierra Leone. Strengthen enforcement mechanisms like increasing the capacity of law enforcement agencies, increased patrols and penalties combined with alternative livelihood programs, improving coordination and collaboration among stakeholders, and enhancing public awareness and community engagement in wildfire conservation efforts. By deterring illegal activities and holding perpetrators accountable, Sierra Leone can protect its wildfire and natural resources, promote sustainable use and management of ecosystems, and uphold its commitment to international conservation agreements and convention. As human settlements fragment forests, corridors linking protected zones are vital for species migration and genetic flow. Reforestation initiative could establish these.
Agriculture is a major driver of deforestation and habitat destruction in Sierra Leone, but promoting sustainable agricultural practices can help mitigate these impacts. Sustainable agriculture techniques such as agroforestry, organic farming and integrated pest management minimize environmental degradation while improving soil facilities, water conservation, and crop yields. Expanding agroforestry and regenerative practices will curb unsustainable slash-and-burn farming threatening forests and training farmers in integrated pest management and permaculture will help conserve diversity that supports crops.
Building on the great work of clubs like Roots & Shoots, establish nationwide environmental education, activities, and citizen science programs in schools. By cultivating conservation values in youth, Sierra Leone can secure long-term protection of its natural heritage and harness their creativity, energy, and passion for environmental protection. Additionally, involving youth in decision-making processes ensures that their perspectives and priorities are represented, leading to more inclusive and effective conservation strategies.
Conservation is not just a responsibility but a privilege. It is our duty to protect and preserve the natural heritage that surrounds us. By understanding the significance of conservation, adopting sustainable practices, and actively participating in conservation efforts, we can protect biodiversity, safeguard ecosystems, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Together, we can create a brighter and greener future for all. Together we can, together we will, we must save the world.