By: Aminata Sesay
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA), in collaboration with its agencies and with support from the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), has taken significant steps to position tourism as a driver of inclusive growth through a two-day Nature-Based Digital Ecotourism Training held in Kabala, Koinadugu District.
As part of the Ministry’s “Year of Ecotourism” campaign, the initiative aimed to equip local communities with the skills and knowledge needed to harness the economic and environmental benefits of Sierra Leone’s natural and cultural resources. Koinadugu, with its abundance of natural beauty and cultural assets, was identified as a key district with untapped ecotourism potential.
Paramount Chief Gbawun K. Mansaray III of Wara Wara Yagala Chiefdom welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the vital role tourism can play in providing sustainable livelihoods and fostering small enterprise growth. He called for collective action to protect iconic natural sites, such as Lake Sonfon, highlighting the threat posed by unchecked activities like illegal mining, which could undermine the district’s tourism prospects.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Deputy Director of Tourism, Travel, and Exchange Program, Idrissa Bangura, emphasized the government’s vision of integrating digital innovation with sustainable tourism. He stressed the importance of empowering local communities through digital tools such as storytelling, marketing, and destination management. These tools, he noted, are essential to unlocking the full ecotourism potential of Koinadugu, from its stunning landscapes to its vibrant cultural heritage.
The training program offered participants hands-on sessions covering a wide range of topics, including digital marketing, content creation, tourism value chains, biodiversity conservation, and community-led tourism management. The sessions provided valuable insights on how these tools could be leveraged to transform local economies while preserving the environment.
To connect theory with practice, the MTCA team and participants visited several key attractions in the district, including Wara Wara Mountain, known for its breathtaking views and annual New Year Festival, and Senekedugu Village, renowned for its vegetable farming and agro-tourism opportunities. These site visits highlighted the district’s potential in adventure, cultural, and agricultural tourism.
Through initiatives like this, the MTCA continues to position tourism as a key driver of green growth. The Ministry is committed to empowering rural communities to become stewards and storytellers of their cultural and natural heritage. As part of its broader vision, the MTCA aims to transform Koinadugu into a leading ecotourism hub, where nature, culture, and commerce thrive together in harmony.