By Sallieu S. Kanu
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is set to host the National Forest and Climate Forum at the Bintumani Conference Center from Tuesday to Thursday this week. The event will convene community leaders, activists, government officials, and international conservation organizations to discuss strategies to address Sierra Leone’s pressing environmental challenges.
Minister Jiwoh Abdulai, speaking during an interview on AYV, expressed optimism about the forum’s potential to attract significant investment and foster collaboration. “This conference will bring together leading international conservation groups actively working in this space. They will share expertise and engage directly with local stakeholders, including traditional leaders who are the custodians of the land. The goal is to build partnerships and attract investment focused on forest conservation,” he said.
A key feature of the forum will be the launch of a new national initiative, “Protect Sierra Leone.” This campaign aims to rally communities and build support for forest preservation efforts across the country. Minister Abdulai revealed that the Ministry has been conducting extensive outreach, engaging with Paramount Chiefs and local authorities in all regions to garner support.
“We traveled across the country, engaging with chiefs and community stakeholders, discussing strategies to protect our forests,” Abdulai noted, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. “The success of this initiative depends on collective action. This responsibility doesn’t rest solely with the Ministry—it requires the involvement of everyone.”
President Julius Maada Bio is expected to officially open the forum, further underscoring the importance of environmental conservation to national development. The event’s overarching objective is to unlock the full potential of Sierra Leone’s forests by fostering partnerships between communities and global conservation organizations.
The Minister concluded with a call to action: “We must work together to protect Sierra Leone. It is crucial that we act today to safeguard tomorrow.”