By: Marian Magdalene Bangura
The Managing Director of the National Tourist Board, Fatmata Mida Carew, has issued a passionate appeal to citizens to take greater civic ownership of Sierra Leone’s beaches and heritage sites. She emphasized that the sustainability and success of the tourism sector depend significantly on local engagement and environmental responsibility.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing, Madam Carew stressed that tourism should not be viewed solely as an economic driver, but also as a national civic obligation.
“Tourism is more than an economic opportunity it is a civic responsibility,” she stated.
Madam Carew expressed serious concern about the deteriorating condition of the country’s public beaches, especially during the rainy season. She pointed to open defecation, littering, and indiscriminate dumping of waste including plastics, furniture, and even human waste as major threats to Sierra Leone’s image and its tourism potential.
“Our beaches are littered with human waste, old suitcases, sofas, mattresses, and plastics. These conditions do not reflect the beauty and potential of Sierra Leone’s coastline,” she lamented.
Despite government spending nearly Le 40,000 weekly on beach cleaning, she noted that persistent public negligence continues to undermine those efforts and tarnish the nation’s image abroad.
Madam Carew highlighted the recent recognition of the Gola Forest–Tiwai Island Complex as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, calling it a major milestone for Sierra Leone’s tourism prospects. However, she cautioned that such international recognition can only be sustained if the local environment is properly managed.
“Our ability to attract and retain tourists depends heavily on how well we manage our local environment,” she added.
She also addressed the increasing issue of seaweed along the coastline, noting that the Tourist Board is working with relevant agencies to explore its potential economic benefits and to develop a national sea management strategy.
Madam Carew further identified other environmental challenges affecting the tourism sector, including illegal sand mining and deforestation, which she said threaten the country’s natural heritage and economic resilience.
“These challenges endanger both our environment and economy. That’s why we are working with stakeholders to access climate financing and invest in sustainable tourism infrastructure,” she explained.
She concluded by urging every citizen to take personal responsibility for preserving national assets, reiterating that sustainable tourism depends on a collective sense of civic duty.
“Tourism in Sierra Leone can flourish but only if citizens understand and embrace their role in preserving and promoting the country’s natural and cultural heritage,” she emphasized. “The call is clear: civic responsibility begins with each of us.”