By: Aminata Sesay
The Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) has reported significant progress across key performance areas during the first half of 2026, citing stronger environmental enforcement, improved revenue generation, enhanced mine regulation, and notable advances in pollution control and biodiversity conservation.
The achievements were presented during the Agency’s 2026 Mid-Term Review (MTR), where management and technical staff assessed performance over the first six months of the year and outlined strategic priorities for the remainder of the fiscal year.
According to EPA-SL, the review showed steady progress toward its institutional objectives, with the Agency already generating nearly half of its 2026 internally generated revenue target, reflecting improvements in operational efficiency and revenue mobilization.
A major highlight of the review was the securing of US$26.2 million in rehabilitation guarantees. The Agency said the funds provide financial assurance that mining companies will restore degraded land after the completion of mining operations, strengthening responsible mining practices and environmental sustainability.
EPA-SL also intensified environmental compliance monitoring across the country, conducting 653 inspections at mining sites, industrial facilities, construction projects, and other environmentally sensitive locations to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
As part of its efforts to combat illegal environmental activities, the Agency destroyed 63 illegal dredges and arrested 14 suspects involved in unlawful dredging operations, reinforcing measures to protect rivers, aquatic ecosystems, and biodiversity.
The review further revealed that EPA-SL processed 58 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) applications during the reporting period. Of these, the Agency approved projects that met environmental standards while rejecting one application that failed to satisfy regulatory requirements.
To strengthen environmental governance at the community level, EPA-SL established three additional Chiefdom Environmental Enforcement Committees, expanding grassroots participation in environmental protection and natural resource management.
On the enforcement front, the Agency recovered NLe7.8 million through court judgments, fines, and penalties imposed on individuals and institutions found guilty of violating environmental laws.
EPA-SL also recorded significant achievements in biodiversity conservation and pollution management, including the validation of Sierra Leone’s Third National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 3.0), which will guide the country’s biodiversity conservation efforts in line with international environmental commitments.
Another milestone was the completion of Sierra Leone’s first National Pollutant Inventory, creating a comprehensive database to strengthen pollution monitoring, environmental planning, and evidence-based policymaking.
Infrastructure development also featured prominently in the review, with construction of the Agency’s regional office in Bo reaching approximately 85 percent completion. Once completed, the facility is expected to enhance environmental regulation and improve service delivery across the southern region.
EPA-SL management said the Mid-Term Review reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to strengthening accountability, improving interdepartmental collaboration, and accelerating programme implementation during the second half of 2026.
The Agency expressed confidence that ongoing institutional reforms, coupled with stronger partnerships with government institutions, development partners, civil society, and local communities, will enable it to exceed its annual performance targets while advancing environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development across Sierra Leone.