By: Aminata Sesay
Sierra Leone has taken a significant step in strengthening its climate governance framework with the rollout of its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), reinforcing national ownership of climate action while aligning with global commitments.
Speaking at a recent climate policy engagement, a senior consultant at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), David Henry Bayoh, described climate change as a cross-cutting development challenge requiring coordinated national action supported by international cooperation.
He emphasized that climate change, although part of the broader environmental system, directly affects food systems, infrastructure, public health, and livelihoods. “We depend on the environment for survival, and climate change is accelerating the pressures on that system,” Bayoh stated.
Bayoh traced the evolution of global environmental governance, referencing earlier international frameworks before highlighting the transformative impact of the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015.
Unlike previous arrangements that placed heavier obligations on developed countries, the Paris Agreement requires all nations—regardless of emission levels—to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under Article 4, Paragraph 2. These outline national plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening climate resilience.
Sierra Leone has progressively advanced its climate commitments, transitioning from its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to NDC 1.0, NDC 2.0, and now the updated NDC 3.0.
According to Bayoh, earlier NDC versions faced implementation challenges, particularly in securing full sectoral ownership. “One of the key gaps was that some sectors did not fully integrate the NDC into their planning frameworks,” he explained.
The updated NDC 3.0 addresses this challenge by aligning climate targets with existing national development strategies and sectoral policies, thereby ensuring greater coherence and accountability. “A stronger NDC does not replace existing strategies it builds on them and ensures alignment with the National Development Plan,” Bayoh noted.
Sierra Leone’s climate strategy continues to focus on two central pathways: Adaptation; Strengthening resilience to climate impacts such as flooding, erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and land degradation. Mitigation; Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sinks.
Bayoh stressed that adaptation is inherently multi-sectoral and cannot be confined to environmental institutions alone.
“Climate change affects every sector. It cannot be treated as a standalone scientific issue,” he emphasized.
Under NDC 3.0, Sierra Leone has identified 19 mitigation targets focusing on key emitting sectors, including energy, transport, agriculture, and waste management. Forestry and land-use systems are also recognized for their carbon absorption potential and their role in environmental restoration.
Bayoh concluded by underscoring that while international agreements provide guidance and technical support, sustainable climate action ultimately depends on strong domestic leadership and coordinated implementation.
“Global initiatives alone cannot solve the problem. Climate impacts vary from one country to another. Our policies must respond to our specific realities,” he said.
With the introduction of NDC 3.0, Sierra Leone signals a shift toward a more integrated, inclusive, and development-oriented climate framework one that seeks to protect livelihoods, strengthen resilience, meet international obligations, and safeguard ecosystems for future generations.