By Fatmata Grace Okekearu Bo City
Sierra Leone’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the stewardship of its new Executive Chairman, Dr. Abu-Bakar S. Massaquoi, has launched an ambitious regional tour aimed at bolstering environmental protection efforts across key areas of the country.
The tour, which encompassed strategic regions housing EPA offices including Bo, Kenema, Kono, and Makeni, signifies a significant shift in the agency’s commitment towards advancing environmental management and sustainability.
Chairman Massaquoi, flanked by key directors and senior management, embarked on the tour with the primary objectives of assessing operational efficiency and fostering collaborative partnerships with local stakeholders and security sectors. This initiative is in line with the recently unveiled Transformation Strategy, outlining the EPA’s roadmap from 2024 to 2030, with a focus on intersectoral collaboration to tackle environmental challenges effectively.
Engagements during the tour were multifaceted, ranging from discussions with regional office management teams to interactions with paramount chiefs and heads of regional state institutions, including the Police Force and military. Discussions encompassed various topics such as overcoming operational challenges, decentralizing the agency’s mandate, and reinforcing scientific field reporting protocols.
Paramount chiefs played a crucial role in the on-the-ground implementation of environmental initiatives, as alliances were forged during meetings. Additionally, dialogues with military and police heads highlighted the importance of collaborative enforcement efforts to uphold environmental laws effectively.
Chairman Massaquoi’s emphasis on inclusivity was evident throughout the tour, with engagements involving a spectrum of stakeholders, including local communities, resident ministers, and district leaders. The collective resolve to combat environmental crimes was emphasized, with discussions leading to the inclusion of the EPA in provincial security committees for enhanced accountability.
As the regional tour concluded, a sense of optimism resonated among regional staff, stakeholders, and state actors, praising the EPA’s proactive approach under new leadership. The commitment to realizing a sustainable environment for Sierra Leone sets the stage for continued collaboration and impactful environmental stewardship.
Chairman Massaquoi’s leadership, focusing on regional engagement and grassroots partnerships, positions the EPA to navigate the complexities of environmental governance with renewed vigor and purpose, signaling a positive step towards a greener Sierra Leone.
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