By: Saidu Jalloh
The National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA) recently participated in the Collaborating, Learning, and Adaptation (CLA) 2026 Conference organized by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), highlighting efforts to strengthen environmental sustainability through partnerships and shared learning.
During the conference, NWRMA presented its work on water resource protection. The Assistant Director of Hydrological Services, Ishmael Kamara, delivered a paper titled: “From Catchment Data to Water Security Decisions: The Western Area Peninsula Water Fund as a Nature-Based Approach for Protecting Biodiversity and Securing Urban Water Resources in Sierra Leone.”
Kamara explained that data-driven approaches and nature-based solutions are essential for improving water security while safeguarding biodiversity in the Western Area Peninsula. He emphasized the importance of integrating scientific data into policy and decision-making processes to achieve sustainable outcomes.
In a related session, Kamara moderated a fireside chat on “Collaborating for Water and Wildlife,” where stakeholders discussed the Peninsula Water Fund as a model for evidence-based catchment protection.
Panelists included representatives from the Guma Valley Water Company, CRS, YARDO-SL, WASHNET, members of the Mile 13 Community, and a private environmental safeguards specialist. They collectively highlighted the need for stronger partnerships, increased community engagement, and coordinated conservation efforts.
Participants noted that collaboration among institutions and local communities is crucial to addressing growing environmental and water security challenges.
The NWRMA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable water resource management through innovation, effective data utilization, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.