The Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh E. Abdulai, has engaged Paramount Chiefs and key stakeholders in the Southern Region, including Bo, Kenema, and Kailahun, as part of ongoing consultations on the review of the Forestry Act of 1988 and the Conservation of Wildlife Act of 1972.
Minister Abdulai, who is also a great-grandson of a Paramount Chief from the Kamajei Chiefdom in Moyamba District, emphasized the critical role of Paramount Chiefs in protecting the environment and addressing climate-related challenges. He acknowledged the chieftaincy as a respected and influential institution embedded in Sierra Leone’s cultural and governance framework, making their contribution at the local level vital to advancing national environmental and climate policies.
During the stakeholder engagement held in Bo, the Minister called on traditional leaders to take active responsibility in forest governance and environmental protection.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Paramount Chief Alameen Kanneh of Koya Chiefdom in Kenema District underscored the urgent need to protect forests in light of increasing climate change-related disasters. He cited the example of the Gola-Tiwai Complex, which has been recognized by UNESCO as Sierra Leone’s first World Heritage Site, noting the economic and environmental benefits it brings to his chiefdom.
Legal Consultant Roland S. V. Wright emphasized that the consultation process aims to centre community voices, ensuring that the revised laws will both protect forest and wildlife resources and deliver tangible benefits to local populations.
The FAO Country Representative, Sahid Abubakarr Bancie, reaffirmed the Food and Agriculture Organization’s commitment to supporting the sustainable management of natural resources. He highlighted the FAO’s recently concluded Country Programming Framework (CPF), which aligns with Sierra Leone’s national priorities and the broader UN food systems agenda. He also expressed appreciation to the European Union for funding support and pledged continued technical assistance.
Elizabeth Ellie, Senior Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, noted that the review of these outdated laws is timely and will address emerging issues in forest and wildlife management, bringing legal frameworks in line with modern environmental challenges.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Environment and Climate Change, Alhaji Hon. Yusuf Mackery, added that the process complements recent reforms, including reviews of the EPA and NPAA Acts, ensuring that Sierra Leone’s environmental legislation is fit for purpose in the face of ongoing climate change impacts.
The review of the Forestry Act of 1988 and the Wildlife Conservation Act of 1972* marks a significant step toward strengthening Sierra Leone’s legal and governance framework for natural resource protection. Through inclusive consultations with traditional leaders and community stakeholders, the government seeks to enact laws that reflect current realities, promote sustainable development, and enhance local benefits from conservation efforts.
