In a historic moment for Sierra Leone, the Gola-Tiwai Complex has been officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List; making it the country’s first-ever site to receive this globally prestigious recognition.
The announcement was made during the 2025 session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Paris. This international acknowledgment places Sierra Leone firmly on the global stage for environmental conservation and cultural heritage.
Located in the southeastern region of Sierra Leone, the Gola-Tiwai Complex is a biodiversity hotspot home to several rare and endangered species, including the pygmy hippopotamus, western chimpanzee, and the elusive white-necked picathartes. The area also shelters hundreds of endemic plants, birds, and insect species found nowhere else in the world.
Experts have praised the site for its “outstanding universal value,” highlighting its critical importance in the global effort to protect biodiversity.
This landmark achievement aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s environmental agenda, which prioritizes sustainable development and climate action. The inscription of the Gola-Tiwai Complex is seen as a direct result of Sierra Leone’s strengthened commitment to meeting international conservation and biodiversity goals.
Hon. Jiwoh E. Abdulai, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, noted,
“The inscription of the Gola-Tiwai Complex as Sierra Leone’s first World Heritage Site marks a significant milestone for our country. It affirms our unwavering commitment to conservation, international cooperation, and sustainable development.”
The successful inscription is the result of more than two decades of collaborative conservation work. Present at the UNESCO ceremony were key stakeholders, including Madam Margaret Jah-Matturi, Sierra Leone’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, and Mr. Tommy Garnett, Executive Director of the Environmental Foundation for Africa (EFA) and Chair of the National Protected Areas Authority.
Garnett, who has been instrumental in the stewardship of the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary a central component of the newly designated site shared his reflections:
“A great day for Africa, for Sierra Leone, for the people of Gola and Tiwai, and for all who care about nature. This success reflects over two decades of work supported by local communities, the government, and international partners such as the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, the EU, GEF, Irish Aid, and others.”
Hon. Nabeela Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, hailed the designation as a “game-changer” for Sierra Leone’s tourism sector.
“This is a landmark achievement for our tourism sector. Aligned with our 2025 Year of Ecotourism campaign, this recognition opens new pathways for community-based tourism, cultural preservation, and sustainable development. Tourism is everybody’s business in Sierra Leone.”
With World Heritage status secured, the next phase focuses on implementing a comprehensive site management plan, building local capacity, and integrating the site into UNESCO’s wider conservation frameworks. These actions aim to safeguard the natural integrity of the site while promoting sustainable livelihoods for surrounding communities.
The recognition of the Gola-Tiwai Complex as a UNESCO World Heritage Site not only celebrates Sierra Leone’s rich ecological and cultural heritage but also signals a new era of global cooperation, eco-tourism growth, and sustainable development in the country.