By Sallieu S. Kanu
Thomas Foday Kamara, Executive Director of the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reclaiming encroached land around Tacugama Sanctuary following a presidential directive.
Speaking on Tuesday in Freetown, he condemned acts of defiance against conservation laws and the harassment of forest guards responsible for safeguarding protected areas under the National Protected Area Authority Act 2022.
Director Kamara urged citizens to refrain from encroaching on the sanctuary or setting fires in the area, as such actions could force chimpanzees to flee, posing risks to both wildlife and human populations. He reiterated the government’s resolve to enforce conservation laws and prevent further encroachment.
Bala Amarasekaran, Founder and Programme Director of Tacugama Sanctuary, clarified that the sanctuary is not a private enterprise but a government-backed entity dedicated to protecting wild chimpanzees from trafficking and extinction. He noted that while the sanctuary does not receive government funding, it remains a testament to national conservation efforts, having been managed for over 30 years.
Mr. Amarasekaran raised concerns about deforestation and encroachment, which threaten both the chimps and critical water catchment areas. He commended the Ministry of Lands and the NPAA for their efforts in reclaiming and protecting buffer zones from illegal settlers. He urged citizens and stakeholders to support conservation efforts, emphasizing the sanctuary’s importance to the ecosystem and local communities.