By Dadson A Musa
Representatives from various ministries, agencies, and academic institutions gathered at Dohas Hotel in Bo for a three-day retreat initiated by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. The primary agenda was to devise a concept note and roadmap for a national ecosystem restoration and monitoring program, focusing on both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in Sierra Leone.
Chaired by Edward Bendu, Chief Director of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the retreat commenced on April 15th and concluded on the 17th, with participants engaging in vigorous debates and brainstorming sessions. Concerns over escalating environmental degradation, including deforestation, charcoal burning, and unsustainable agricultural practices, set a sobering tone for the discussions.
Key stakeholders, including representatives from UNDP, parliamentary oversight committees, and the Ministry of Water Resources, emphasized the urgency of the situation. Arnold Okoni Williams, a local consultant from Njala University, expressed optimism, asserting that the retreat marked a pivotal step towards implementing practical strategies to combat climate change.
Minister Jiworh Abdullai highlighted the critical role of ecosystem restoration in disaster prevention and stressed the potential economic benefits of preserving the environment, particularly through eco-tourism initiatives. He underscored the government’s commitment to enforce environmental laws and explore alternative livelihood options for affected communities.
Resolutions passed during the retreat underscored the importance of collaborative efforts and capacity-building among stakeholders. Deputy Minister Mima Yema Mimi Sobba-Stephens delivered the vote of thanks, signaling unity and determination among participants to address the pressing environmental challenges facing Sierra Leone.
The retreat served as a pivotal platform for stakeholders to devise a comprehensive plan for ecosystem restoration and monitoring, signaling a concerted effort by the Sierra Leonean government and its partners to safeguard the country’s natural resources and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
