Commemorating World Environment Day 2026 -5 June 2026
Theme: “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”
As the world commemorates World Environment Day 2026 under the theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” there is no better time to reflect on the growing environmental threats facing Sierra Leone’s most critical water sources and the urgent actions required to safeguard the future of water security in the Western Area.
For more than six decades, Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC) has provided potable water to residents of Freetown and its surrounding communities. This essential service depends almost entirely on the health and sustainability of forests, rivers, streams, dams, and catchment areas located within the Western Area Peninsula National Park and surrounding watershed ecosystems. Today, however, these vital resources are facing unprecedented threats.
A recent assessment conducted by Guma Valley Water Company between 4 December 2025 and 8 January 2026 revealed alarming levels of deforestation, encroachment, unregulated settlement expansion, and other harmful human activities across several critical water catchments in the Western Area. The findings highlight the increasing vulnerability of these ecosystems and raise serious concerns about the long-term security of water supplies for Freetown’s rapidly growing population.
The assessment found that while the Guma and Kongo Dam catchments remain the backbone of water supply in the Western Area, mounting human pressure is steadily weakening their natural protection and threatening future water security. Human settlements are expanding rapidly towards these protected watersheds, with significant forest loss recorded around Mile 13, Baw Baw, No. 2 River, Tacugama, and other communities bordering the catchment zones.
In some areas, settlements have advanced to within a few hundred metres of critical water infrastructure, creating significant risks for the sustainability and protection of these essential water sources.
The situation is even more concerning in several smaller catchments. The Angola Upper and Lower Weirs have experienced extensive deforestation and encroachment, with residential developments occurring dangerously close to water sources. The Mamba Ridge catchment has suffered severe environmental degradation, while the Charlotte Weir has effectively ceased functioning as a reliable water source due to widespread deforestation.
Other important catchments, including Hastings, Thunder Hill, White Water (Botanical Garden, Fourah Bay College), and Blue Water (Wellington), are also becoming increasingly vulnerable to encroachment and vegetation loss.
Beyond reducing water availability, these activities are significantly affecting water quality. The assessment recorded bacteriological contamination in several water sources, largely due to the proximity of human settlements and unsanitary activities within catchment areas. Such contamination not only increases water treatment costs but also poses serious public health risks if not adequately addressed.
The consequences of continued catchment degradation extend far beyond the operations of Guma Valley Water Company. Reduced forest cover leads to lower groundwater recharge, diminished stream flows, increased sedimentation, deteriorating water quality, greater flood risks, biodiversity loss, and reduced resilience to climate change.
Ultimately, the greatest impact will be felt by the people of the Western Area, who depend on these water sources every day for drinking, sanitation, and economic activities.
The message is clear: protecting our catchments is not merely an environmental concern it is a water security issue, a public health issue, and a national development priority.
To reverse the current trend, coordinated and decisive action is required from all stakeholders. Government institutions responsible for environmental management, land administration, water resources, and protected areas must strengthen enforcement of existing laws and prevent illegal activities within critical catchment zones. Encroachment into protected watersheds should be treated as a serious threat to national water security.
Communities living around these catchments must also become active partners in conservation efforts. Tree planting initiatives, watershed restoration projects, sustainable agricultural practices, proper waste management, and community-based monitoring programmes can all play an important role in protecting these fragile ecosystems.
At the same time, sustained public education and awareness campaigns are needed to help citizens understand the direct connection between healthy forests and reliable water supplies. Every tree preserved, every stream protected, and every act of conservation contributes to securing water for future generations.
Guma Valley Water Company also calls for increased investment in catchment restoration, reforestation programmes, watershed monitoring systems, and climate-resilient water infrastructure. Long-term water security can only be achieved through a combination of environmental protection, effective policy implementation, and collective responsibility.
As we observe World Environment Day 2026, let us remember that water begins in the forest. The future of water supply in the Western Area depends on the actions we take today to protect our watersheds and natural ecosystems.
The cost of losing our forests and water catchments is far too great. Protecting them is not an option, it is a necessity.
Together, let us protect our watersheds, secure our water resources, and safeguard our future.