By Foday Moriba Conteh
At a vibrant ceremony at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, alongside the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Madam Princess Dugba, on July 30, 2024 officially launched the “Enhanced Resilience of Rural Communities through Women-led Conservation, Financial Inclusion and Livelihood Diversification Project.” This initiative, spearheaded by GOAL-SL and funded by Jersey Overseas Aid, aims to fortify Sierra Leone’s Blue Economy, focusing on the Western Area Rural and Kambia Districts.
The project’s core mission is to combat climate change effects on food security and biodiversity, boost community resilience and enhance nutrition and economic livelihoods. Minister Kenyeh Barlay highlighted the project’s alignment with the nation’s Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024-2030 and the Blue Economy Strategy, stressing its vital role in operationalizing these frameworks.
“The launch and implementation of this project are crucial steps in bringing our Medium-Term National Development Plan and the Blue Economy Strategy to life,” she stated. “We extend our profound gratitude to GOAL Sierra Leone for their efforts in supporting Government initiatives.”
Minister Kenyeh Barlay further emphasized the project’s alignment with sustainable development goals, particularly in promoting food security, economic diversification and sustainable coastal and marine environments. “This project underscores our collective commitment to inclusive, sustainable development,” she added.
Kjartan Atli Oskarsson, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Iceland in Sierra Leone, lauded the initiative, noting, “The Blue Economy is vital to us as an island nation. Our collaboration with Sierra Leone, which began in 2018, has always centered on sustainable development in coastal communities. We eagerly anticipate the impactful progress of this project.”
Foday Suma, Paramount Chief of Samu Chiefdom, expressed his support for the project, noting Kambia’s reputation for rice production and commitment to mangrove conservation. “We are ready to support and ensure the sustainability of this project,” he affirmed.
In her keynote address, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Madam Princess Dugba expressed her honor in launching the initiative, funded by a £1,500,000 grant from Jersey Overseas Aid. “This project will enhance the productivity and conservation practices of small-scale fisheries in Western Rural and Kambia Districts,” she said, emphasizing its goal to improve food security, nutrition and economic resilience.
She also highlighted an ongoing GOAL Sierra Leone project, worth approximately US$676,000 and running until 2026, focused on diversifying livelihoods and building capacity in fish processing and community management. “Supporting communities to cope with climate disasters and providing fishermen with safety tools to minimize illegal fishing practices are crucial aspects of this project,” she noted.
Concluding her speech, the Minister called on all stakeholders to support the initiative and prioritize the health of beneficiaries, especially fishermen. “Our Ministry is committed to fostering sustainable fisheries within a diversified Blue Economy to ensure food and nutrition security for our people,” she declared.
The event culminated with the signing of the Service Level Agreement for the new project by Minister Princess Dugba, witnessed by Minister Kenyeh Barlay, marking a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward sustainable development.
