By: Audrey Raymonda John
With support from UNDP, the Environment Protection Agency-Sierra Leone on Tuesday 21st March 2023 held a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on Marine Spatial Planning Framework. The workshop was held at the New Freetown City Council Hall which brought together participants from various MDAs.
In his opening statement, the Chairman of the occasion Paul Lamin said there are several players involved in the project as implementing partners.
“The project will end this year but there is a need to develop the Marine Spatial plan. Today’s workshop is not to develop the plan but the framework,” Lamin said.
Mr Lamin informed the gathering that there is a need for a framework while noting the importance of the workshop.
During the last review of the EPA Act, the marine sector was included. There is every need to integrate policies for the marine sector and more reason to have a policy. We need input from other MDAs, especially those who use the marine space. We are also here to look at what other organizations can bring to be part of the plan, he narrated.’ Lamin said resources such as fisheries, the energy production, shipping, recreation and conservation are part of the framework areas under review.
He said MSP (Marine Spatial Planning) typically involves collecting and analysing data on physical, biological, economic and social aspect of the marine environment and identifying areas that are suitable for different uses and activities.
Dr. Salieu Sankoh said the plan may also establish goals and objectives for resource management, identify potential conflict and trade-offs between different uses and purposes.
The development of the MSPs usually involved extensive consultation and engagement with stakeholders including industry representatives local communities’ conservation groups and other interested parties.
He said supporting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, promoting safe and efficient shipping and supporting sustainable tourism development.
Adding that existing jurisdiction mandate suggested that the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources supported by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is leading the process of marine Spatial Planning in Sierra Leone.
‘It is therefore suggested that the Ministry of Fisheries, The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and Environment Protection Agency, will lead the MS’s effort that will collaborate with all relevant MDAs that have a committee that will plan, develop, and oversee the marine Spatial Planning process.
This Environment Protection Agency will lead the MSP’s effort that will collaborate with all relevant MDAs that have a committee that will plan, develop, and oversee the marine Spatial Planning process. This includes having lead responsibility for the preparation of the national framework and marine area plans.
