The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs with support from World Bank-Sierra Leone has organized a  Forest and Climate Change Forum in Makeni, Bombali District and Port Loko Districts respectively. The event, which attracted District Council Chairpersons, Paramount Chiefs, and local leaders, served as a critical platform for discussing the pressing environmental issues affecting Sierra Leone.

In his Keynote Address, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Emmanuel Abdul,  acknowledged the crucial role of paramount chiefs in the fight against deforestation and environmental degradation.

He stressed that their leadership and influence are essential in rallying communities to protect their natural resources.

The minister said his Ministry is committed to assisting communities by providing them with the appropriate types of “Trees for planting” on the environments and ensuring that the benefits of reforestation go beyond environmental preservation, helping to boost the local economy as well.

Minister Abdul emphasized the importance of tree planting in combating climate change, stating that it is not only an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity.

He encouraged the participants to take the message of climate action to remote areas and ensure that tree planting becomes a community led initiative. The involvement of private sectors in tree planting, he suggested, would further support the local economy and create livelihoods for people in affected regions.

A representative from the World Bank, Dr. Abdu Muwaonge,underscored the global urgency of combating climate change, noting the substantial evidence of its effects.

He explained that approximately 1.6 billion people globally depend on natural resources for their livelihoods, making the fight against climate change even more critically challenging.

According to Dr. Muwaonge, agriculture, which relies heavily on forests and water resources, is a major contributor to the economic growth of any country.

He cautioned that continued deforestation and destruction of natural resources could have catastrophic effects, including droughts, water shortages, and reduced agricultural production.

Dr. Muwaonge also highlighted the adverse effects of illegal mining, deforestation, and the destruction of mangroves, which are further exacerbating climate change.

He stressed the importance of community-based action, urging stakeholders to take initiative and not wait for government directives before implementing environmental protection measures.

The National Secretary-General of the National Council of Paramount Chiefs of Sierra Leone, PC Fayia S.B. Sovula, expressed his gratitude for the Ministry’s efforts in addressing climate change.

He emphasized that the safety and security of the people and the environment must be prioritized, and called for greater collaboration among Paramount Chiefs, Government, and Local Communities.

Mr. Sovula, also called for the introduction of stronger laws to protect the environment and ensure that communities play active roles in combating climate change.

Paramount Chief Bai Makarie Nkolo II of Makarie Chiefdom expressed gratitude for the opportunity accorded him to participate in the forum, highlighting that climate change has become one of the most significant challenges facing the region.

He lamented the severe impacts of floods, especially during the rainy season, which often devastate crops and negatively affect agriculture, a vital sector of the local economy.

Chief Nkolo commended the organisers for what he described as a ‘timely consultative meeting’, noting that it would help address deforestation and climate change issues, thereby improving crop production while mitigating climate related challenges in the district and surrounding areas.

Madam Yambom Sesay, Chairperson of the Bombali District Council, echoed the Paramount Chiefs’ sentiments.

She commended the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change for initiating the forum.

She stressed that climate change has become a significant concern due to deforestation and other human activities, and warned of the negative impact these actions have on local lands and resources.

She averred that, while flooding was once rare, it has recently become more frequent, partly due to rampant tree cutting and land misuse. Additionally, she pointed out the detrimental effects of mining activities, which not only degrade the environment but also contaminate rivers with harmful chemicals, making access to water increasingly difficult for local communities.

Mrs. Sesay, called on government and development partners to support local communities in addressing these environmental challenges, appealing for collaborative actions to improve the health of the environment and the livelihoods of those dependent on it.

The forum concluded with a collective commitment to taking actionable steps toward environmental conservation, with a focus on tree planting and addressing the root causes of climate change, including deforestation and harmful mining practices.

Stakeholders agreed that the involvement of Paramount Chiefs, Local Governments, and development partners is key to achieving meaningful progress in safeguarding Sierra Leone’s environment for future generations.

The Forest and Climate Change Forum, marked a significant step in fostering dialogue and collaboration on environmental issues in Sierra Leone.

With active participation and salient contributions from Paramount Chiefs, Local Leaders, and International Partners, the forum participants reinforced the urgent need for collective action in addressing the country’s climate challenges.

As Sierra Leone moves forward, continued engagement, community leadership, and collaborative efforts will be essential to ensuring a sustainable and resilient environment for all.