By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the environment, emphasizing the significant strides taken to address climate change and conservation.
Speaking at the inaugural National Forest and Climate Forum, held at the Bintumani Auditorium in Aberdeen on Tuesday, March 18, 2024, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh underscored the urgent need to safeguard the nation’s forests and natural resources. He noted that deforestation and climate change pose major threats to Sierra Leone’s ecological future.
“Our forests are under threat. The future of our forests depends on our ability to manage these resources effectively. The challenges posed by climate change are significant,” he stated.
Representing His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, the Vice President outlined Government’s conservation vision and climate change strategy. He stressed the need to integrate local regulatory frameworks to enhance environmental resilience and sustainability.
Highlighting proactive measures, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh announced that Sierra Leone is preparing to conduct a Forest Inventory for the first time since 1975. Additionally, the country is working on a Sustainable Biodiversity Financing Framework to enhance conservation efforts.
He further revealed that with support from the European Union, Sierra Leone is embarking on a National Inventory Plan aimed at mapping and preserving vital ecosystems. The Government has also set an ambitious goal to recover 30% of lost land by 2030.
“We are developing a comprehensive biodiversity finance strategy that will serve as a roadmap for overcoming environmental challenges,” Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh said. He urged all citizens to play an active role in environmental protection.
The three-day forum, organized by the Ministry of Environment in partnership with various stakeholders, was aimed to foster collaborative discussions on safeguarding Sierra Leone’s natural resources. The event, which ran until March 20, brought together Government officials, environmental experts, international partners and local community leaders.
Minister of the Environment, Jiwoh E. Abdulai, echoed the Vice President’s sentiments, highlighting human activities as a major contributor to climate change. He emphasized the need to find sustainable alternatives to traditional cooking methods, which drive deforestation.
“If we are to protect our environment, it must be a collective effort,” Jiwoh E. Abdulai stated. “We must make affordable alternatives readily available to reduce the pressure on our forests.”
The Minister also highlighted the importance of the Western Area Peninsula Park, describing it as one of Sierra Leone’s most valuable environmental assets. “Only when we protect our environment can we truly enjoy its beauty and benefits,” he added.
As part of the Government’s broader environmental strategy, Jiwoh Abdulai, unveiled the four-part ‘Protect Sierra Leone’ initiative. The plan focuses on:
- Protecting critical terrestrial biodiversity through integrated landscape management.
- Scaling up community forests to empower local conservation efforts.
- Sustainably managing marine resources to ensure long-term ecological balance.
- Reducing deforestation by promoting alternative cooking fuel solutions.
“We want to protect our environment because it is in our best interest,” Minister Jiwoh Abdulai stated. “Natural resource conservation is vital for our survival.”
He emphasized that tackling deforestation requires addressing the underlying need for cooking fuel. “We need to bring affordable alternatives to reduce dependency on wood and charcoal,” he said.
International partners also pledged their support. Daniela Raik, Executive Vice President of Conservation International, praised Sierra Leone’s ambitious environmental initiatives and stressed the need for global cooperation in tackling climate change.
“The natural heritage of Sierra Leone is one of its greatest assets and it is vital that we protect it,” Daniela Raik said. “The environment knows no political boundaries and our efforts to protect it must be collaborative.”
She also announced that Conservation International will establish a local office in Sierra Leone to work closely with communities on conservation efforts.
Similarly, World Bank Country Director, Abdul Muwonge, unveiled a $60 million environmental project to bolster water security in the Western Area Peninsula Park, reinforcing the country’s conservation agenda.
The National Forest and Climate Forum was one of the most comprehensive and high-profile environmental conferences held in Sierra Leone in decades. It attracted participation from Government officials, community stakeholders, environmental activists and international organizations such as Conservation International.
During the conference, delegates engaged in strategic discussions and breakout sessions to formulate actionable plans that align with Sierra Leone’s environmental conservation goals.
With strong Governmental and international backing, the forum marked a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s fight against climate change and environmental degradation. The Government’s commitment, coupled with collaborative partnerships, set the stage for a sustainable and resilient future for the nation’s natural resources.
