By: Aminata Sesay
A significant shift in Sierra Leone’s environmental governance unfolded in Moyamba District this week, as the Government formally transferred stewardship of the Rainforest Buffalo Project to beneficiary communities marking a decisive move toward community-led climate action and sustainable land management.
The ceremony, held in Fa Kunya Chiefdom, brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including Paramount Chiefs, Members of Parliament, district authorities, civil society representatives, and community landowners. Central to the event was the formal presentation of a long-term partnership agreement and the signing of a Letter of Authority, which now places communities at the forefront of one of the country’s most ambitious forest restoration initiatives.
Rather than a routine handover, the event signaled a broader policy direction: empowering rural communities not just as participants, but as custodians and decision-makers in Sierra Leone’s environmental future.
The Rainforest Buffalo Project is a large-scale tropical forest restoration initiative expected to plant approximately 10 million trees across more than 15,000 hectares of degraded land. To date, the project has generated over 1,200 jobs and spans multiple chiefdoms in Moyamba, Bo, Kenema, and Pujehun districts.
Beyond reforestation, the initiative aims to restore biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities linking environmental protection directly with economic development.
Local leaders welcomed the project but stressed that its success will depend on meaningful community inclusion. Paramount Chief Samuel H. Bengeh III of Fa Kunya Chiefdom emphasized the importance of equitable participation, noting that communities should be given opportunities beyond manual labour, particularly in leadership, management, and skilled roles.
His remarks echoed a broader sentiment among stakeholders that sustainable development must be built on shared ownership and mutual benefit.
Officials from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change described the agreement as a turning point for Sierra Leone’s forestry sector. Director of Forestry, Madam Kate M.B. Karemo Garnett, highlighted the project as part of wider efforts to restore the country’s forest resources through structured and sustainable investment.
She stressed that modern forestry must go beyond tree planting to include climate protection, biodiversity restoration, and livelihood support. She also noted that the project prioritizes restoring forests to near-natural conditions rather than relying on monoculture plantations, an approach crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
The initiative aligns with ongoing national programmes such as the Forest Inventory Project, which seeks to provide accurate baseline data for improved resource management.
From a legislative perspective, Hon. Mariama Zombo, Deputy Chairperson of Parliament’s Oversight Committee on Environment and Climate Change, highlighted the project’s potential to transform rural economies. She pointed to opportunities for income generation, skills development, and participation in emerging carbon markets, while cautioning that strong collaboration between investors and communities will be essential to avoid future conflicts.
Representing the implementing company, Managing Director Guy Thornton of Rainforest Builder (SL) Ltd described the project as a long-term commitment to Sierra Leone’s natural heritage. He revealed partnerships with global actors, including Microsoft, aimed at unlocking sustainable investment and innovation, as well as supporting responsible forest restoration through international carbon conservation initiatives.
According to Thornton, the project’s vision extends beyond environmental recovery to include infrastructure development such as schools, clinics, and roads alongside job creation.
“We are not here to extract and leave. We are here to build and stay,” he stated.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Emmanuel Abdulai, emphasized that the project’s success will depend on transparency, accountability, and strong partnerships. He called on local councils to develop by-laws to support implementation and urged communities to actively protect the resources entrusted to them.
The Minister also positioned the initiative within Sierra Leone’s broader climate agenda, noting its potential to attract credible climate finance and strengthen the country’s role in global environmental efforts.
The event concluded with a symbolic tree-planting exercise led by the Minister and key stakeholders, underscoring both the environmental and symbolic significance of the project.
As Sierra Leone confronts deforestation, climate vulnerability, and rural economic challenges, the Rainforest Buffalo Project represents a bold approach placing communities at the center of climate solutions. If successful, it could redefine natural resource management in the country, demonstrating that sustainable development is most effective when local communities are empowered to lead.