By: Aminata Sesay
In a proactive step toward inclusive environmental governance, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched a one-day District Stakeholder Consultation across the Northern Region to gather community input for Sierra Leone’s first-ever Climate Law.
Held in key towns including Mongo (Falaba District), Kabala (Koinadugu District), Magburaka (Tonkolili District), and Makeni (Bombali District), the consultations brought together a wide range of stakeholders. Participants included traditional leaders, local council representatives, civil society organizations, legal professionals, youth groups, farmers, and members of the Sierra Leone Police. This inclusive approach is intended to ensure that the proposed Climate Bill reflects the lived experiences, indigenous knowledge, and aspirations of Sierra Leoneans most affected by climate change.
The forthcoming Climate Bill aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework that integrates climate action into national development planning and sectoral strategies. Core elements of the bill include long-term mitigation and adaptation goals, clearly defined institutional responsibilities, public engagement mechanisms, and systems for transparency and accountability. It will also lay the groundwork for mobilizing climate finance and implementing a national carbon credit system—positioning Sierra Leone to both respond to and benefit from global climate efforts.
Addressing participants, Director of Environmental Emergencies, Lahai Samba Keita, underscored the urgency of a national legal response to pressing environmental threats such as global warming, ozone layer depletion, and deforestation. He acknowledged the vital role of community voices in developing practical and equitable solutions.
“We are here to listen, learn, and co-create a law that protects our environment and strengthens the resilience of our people,” said Director Keita. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a fully consultative process, adding that all feedback gathered during these district sessions would directly inform the drafting of the Climate Bill by a national consultant. The draft will later be returned to stakeholders for further validation and feedback.
The consultation sessions included technical presentations by the national consultant and MoECC officials, followed by breakout discussions in which participants shared their concerns, priorities, and recommendations. These contributions represent a crucial step toward building public ownership of the law and ensuring its effective implementation.
The Ministry has pledged to extend similar consultations to other regions of Sierra Leone, aiming to create a final Climate Bill that is not only scientifically robust and policy-aligned, but also people-centered and grounded in the realities of those on the frontlines of climate change.